[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 13 (Thursday, February 10, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM STILWAGEN

                                 ______


                      HON. GEORGE J. HOCHBRUECKNER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 10, 1994

  Mr. HOCHBRUECKNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
truly outstanding person, Mr. William Stilwagen, a constituent of mine 
from Aquebogue, NY, who was recently named to the 1994 All-USA College 
Academic First Team, by USA Today. After receiving thousands of 
nominations from our Nation's best universities, USA Today selected 
Bill as one of only 20 students for this prestigious honor. Mr. 
Stilwagen's achievement is a tribute to his remarkable character and 
scholarship.
  Mr. Stilwagen's impressive educational record is rivaled only by his 
commitment to others. Bill served in Vietnam with the U.S. Marine 
Corps. In 1970, he was a machinegun operator for a helicopter crew 
located near Da Nang. For his efforts in the Vietnam war, William 
Stilwagen was recognized with, among other awards, the Air Medal for 
heroic action, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action 
Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam's Cross of Gallantry, and New York 
State's Conspicuous Service Cross.
  After the Vietnam war, Bill continued to serve his country and his 
colleagues in the armed services. He served as cochairman and executive 
director of the Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans Memorial project. In 
addition, he served as a State representative in Suffolk County, NY, 
for the Vietnam Veterans of America.
  For years, Bill has shared his insights on the Vietnam war with the 
public. By speaking in front of universities, high schools, churches, 
unions, businesses, and civic groups, he has enlightened and touched 
thousands of citizens. More recently, Bill has focused his efforts on 
the creation of an adult continuing education course that examines the 
Vietnam war and its legacy.
  Mr. Stilwagen has also contributed to the community through his 
academic research and publications. After studying the impact of war on 
Soviet-Afghanistan veterans, Bill developed a self-help manual for 
their psychological rehabilitation, and his work culminated in a 
presentation in Amsterdam, before the world conference on trauma and 
tragedy.
  In 1993, Bill worked on what may be his most impressive contribution 
to society thus far, by examining post traumatic stress disorder and 
its effects on veterans. Bill concluded that the psychological profiles 
of combat survivors and child abusers have much in common. In an effort 
to prevent further child abuse, Bill published a self-awareness guide 
aimed at helping these affected people to heal themselves mentally.
  Mr. Stilwagen's commitment to children has guided him to other 
activities as well. In 1988, he founded a nonprofit organization for 
the benefit of children. Furthermore, Bill organized an art contest for 
sixth-grade children in Suffolk County. The competition urged 
youngsters to explore its theme of freedom while introducing them to 
the creative thrill of producing art.
  Considering Bill's character and ability, it is no surprise that he 
also excels in his studies. With a cumulative grade point average of 
approximately 3.74, Bill was awarded with the SUNY Stony Brook 
University Association Returning Student Award.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor Scholastic All-American 
William Stilwagen for his academic achievement and commitment to 
helping others. I wish Bill the best of luck as he continues his 
important work. I am proud and honored to know such a capable and hard-
working individual.

                          ____________________