Recognizing the Korean and Vietnam War Veterans

Floor Speech

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Mr. BENTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Korean and Vietnam War Veterans from Oregon's Second Congressional District who are visiting their memorials on the National Mall through the efforts of Honor Flight of Oregon. When I have the opportunity to meet these heroes, I am reminded of the enduring words of General George S. Patton, who said, ``Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of men who follow and of the man who leads that gains that victory.'' The words he spoke then, Madam Speaker, still ring true today. Those who value liberty are indebted to these heroes, for each one of them chose to defend freedom through acts of service, incredible sacrifice, and bravery on behalf of our country. It is my privilege to include in the Record their names.

The Veterans on this Honor Flight from Oregon are as follows: Robert Altvatter, Army; Dennis Allen, Marine Corps; Kenneth Anderson, Navy; Fred Barber, Marine Corps; Keith Becker, Marine Corps; Robin Brown, Coast Guard; Ricky Davis, Air Force; James DeSully, Army; George Endicott, Army; Robert Fincham, Navy; James Gabriel, Navy; Vernon Gurney, Army; James Lindgen, Navy; Thomas Mabalot, Navy; Thomas McCann, Navy; James Mills, Navy; George Oldham, Army; Joseph Petrelli, Navy; Thomas Queener, Navy; Wade Reece, Army; John Richardson, Marine Corps; Ronald Robbel, Army; Harold Schneider, Navy; Gerald Smith, Army; Spencer Stewart, Marine Corps; Allan Tobiason, Army; Jay Turnage, Navy; Mark Wirges, Marine Corps, Jimmie Young, Marine Corps; and James Zupancic; Air Force.

These heroes join over 240,000 Veterans who have been honored through the Honor Flight Network of volunteers nationwide since 2005. I would also like to recognize volunteer Dr. Jana Frazier for her years of dedicated service to our Veterans and the Central Oregon Honor Flight.

Madam Speaker, Ronald Reagan affirmed that, ``We owe this freedom of choice and action to those men and women in uniform who have served this Nation and its interests in time of need. In particular, we are forever indebted to those who have given their lives that we might be free.'' As a nation, we must never take for granted the liberties we enjoy today, recognizing that these freedoms have been hard-won by the honor, commitment, and sacrifice of our Veterans. Each Member in this chamber and citizen in these United States should be humbled by the courage of the brave Veterans who voluntarily underwent dangers and successes in order to preserve our country and way of life. Colleagues, please join me in thanking these Veterans and the volunteers of Honor Flight of Oregon for their remarkable service and devotion to our great country.

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