Congressional Veteran Commendation for Petty Officer John Oeste

Floor Speech

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Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Petty Officer Third Class John Oeste of Prosper, Texas, and award him a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His selfless service in the United States Navy is a remarkable testament of his desire to protect the country he loves.

PO3 Oeste hails from a military household and heeded the call to defend his nation after being inspired by multiple generations of service. His family served in the First World War, Second World War, and the Korean War. As such, he understood that the many freedoms we enjoy today come through sacrifices of the highest order. During his time in the Navy. PO3 Oeste served as a Master Helmsman and Flight Deck Landing Signalman on the USS Fife, a Spruance-class destroyer.

From sailing the Latin American seas to patrolling the dangerous Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War, PO3 Oeste helped assert the strength and dominance of the United States around the world. Moreover, he helped provide extensive humanitarian assistance and disaster relief for the people of Agalega Island, which suffered immensely during the 1983-84 cyclone season in the Indian Ocean. After his Naval service, PO3 Oeste completed his college education and met his wife, Patricia. Together, they raised two very successful children.

In his free time, PO3 Oeste teaches in his local church's pre-school classes during Sunday services. He and Patricia also help fundraise for underprivileged families and victims of domestic violence. These efforts will help to ensure that those facing difficult circumstances will not be overlooked. As a veteran, PO3 Oeste proudly goes the extra mile to show his appreciation for those who served. One of his longtime personal projects is to conduct research and present awards, medals, and pictures of fallen veterans to their family members. His ultimate goal is to share the untold story of these veterans to ensure that they will never be forgotten.

I am honored to represent PO3 Oeste in Texas' 4th Congressional District. I am privileged to award him the Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to our Nation and to the people of North Texas.

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