In Honor of Joseph Rupsis

Floor Speech

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Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a patriotic American, Mr. Joseph Rupsis. Mr. Rupsis lives in Clark County, Kentucky and celebrated his 100th birthday on March 15, 2022.

Mr. Rupsis was born in Albany, New York. He enlisted in the United States Navy in October of 1942 when he was 20 years of age. Following basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois, he was sent to the Pacific Theatre and assigned to the USS Victoria, an oil tanker. At the war's end, he was discharged in December of 1945. Mr. Rupsis resumed his work at a factory but signed up to serve in the reserves. During the Korean Conflict, he was called back into service in October of 1950. He was assigned to the USS Bataan, an aircraft carrier. His mother passed away while he was serving. Mr. Rupsis attained the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. He was discharged in December of 1951.

Following his discharge in San Diego, Mr. Rupsis decided to remain there, where he met and married his first wife. Mr. Rupsis worked at an aircraft plant, graduated from San Diego State, and worked for many years in radio broadcasting. He later moved to Florida and worked for the Florida prison system, where he retired. After Hurricane Charlie destroyed his home and possessions, Mr. Rupsis moved to Winchester, Kentucky to be near family members. It was there that he met his wife, Mary.

It is my honor to recognize this amazing patriot celebrate his 100th birthday, and appreciate him for his service and sacrifice to our nation during World War II and the Korean Conflict. As a part of ``The Greatest Generation'', Mr. Rupsis was an important part of the war effort to preserve the freedoms that we enjoy today. I am forever grateful for Americans like Joseph Rupsis.

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