Recognizing Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Wagamon, Usaf, Retired, with A Congressional Veteran Commendation

Floor Speech

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Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present a Congressional Veteran Commendation to a member of our greatest generation, retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Wagamon, of Huntsville, Texas. Lt. Colonel Wagamon served as a Captain, Bombadier and Navigator flying in B-25 Mitchell Bombers with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. His servant's life reflects the hard work and dedication that exemplifies the best of our Nation's values.

Lt. Col. Wagamon entered active duty in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in September of 1944 at twenty years of age and served an important role during period of World War II, flying reconnaissance missions over Italy detailing German activities along the railway system until the end of the war. He served in the North Apennines, Central Europe and Po Valley campaigns.

Lt. Col. Wagamon served in the 6th Bomb Group, 313th Bombardment Wing, 340th Bombardment Group, 486th Bombardment Squadron earning; the Air Medal, European-Africa-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Battle Stars, American Campaign Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge and the WWII Victory Medal.

After the Allied Victory, Lt. Col. Wagamon returned home and served in the reserves and ultimately retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his service in the reserves and after, he continued his service to country and community, through his faith and devotion to God, he lead his family of five in service to the Catholic Church and received many recognitions including the very special Vatican Award, which required many levels of nomination to be considered and the Benemerenti Medal from Pope Francis given to him in 2014, recognizing 65 years of service to the Roman Catholic Church.

With his wife Marion right beside him, he has served the Huntsville community in various capacities for over 30 years that included Huntsville school teacher from 1978 to 1982, Deputy Director of Education Service Center Region 6 from 1968 to 1982, owner of Wagamon Printing that was opened in 1981, and Walker County Judge from 1994 to 2002.

As a longtime volunteer, Lt. Col. Wagamon has poured numerous hours into the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas. Setting up displays and doing tours educating visitors and students was a weekly occurrence. In addition to his work at the museum, he spent many hours and full days at many schools within the Huntsville Independent School District providing exceptional experiences for its students. It is with this level of love for God, country and community that I proudly commend retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Wagamon of Huntsville, Texas to his friends, family, and community and salute his service by awarding him the 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation.

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