[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 115 (Tuesday, August 16, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 16, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
   TRIBUTE TO DON AND MONA RUSSELL ON THEIR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. NORMAN D. DICKS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 16, 1994

  Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a very happy 
occasion. On August 1, Don and Mona Russell of Tacoma, WA celebrated 
their 50th wedding anniversary. Don and Mona have made their home in 
Tacoma since 1971 when Don retired from the U.S. Army at Fort Lewis, 
where he was the executive officer of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment.
  Don Russell had a distinguished Army career of more than 30 years. He 
served his country in Europe during World War II and at posts in the 
United States and Korea. He served two tours in the 3d Armored Cavalry 
Regiment while the unit was in Germany in the 1960's and led the 
planning and operations for the smooth and efficient redeployment of 
the regiment to Fort Lewis during Operation Reforger in 1969. For his 
service in the regiment and at Fort Lewis, Don was awarded the Legion 
of Merit upon his retirement. After leaving active duty, Don attended 
Pacific Lutheran University where he earned a master's degree, and he 
subsequently became a teacher and counselor at schools in the Tacoma 
area. He was a valued faculty member until his second retirement not 
many years ago.
  Mona Russell also served the United States in uniform. Following 
completion of studies for a bachelor's degree at the University of 
Illinois at Champaign, she joined the Women's Army Corps. It was during 
wartime service in Italy that she met Don Russell, who brought a 
wounded comrade to the hospital at which she was on duty. After a 
wartime courtship, they were married in Italy on August 1, 1944, 50 
years ago.
  The end of the war and brought a short stint in civilian life, and 
then Don re-entered the Army. Mona turned to the task of raising their 
young sons, Barry and Brian, while the Army moved the family to posts 
in the United States and Germany. Like many Army wives of the day, she 
carried more than her share of the family burden while Don was on duty 
in Korea. Following Don's Army retirement, Mona re-entered the 
workforce, fulfilling various duties in the transportation office at 
Fort Lewis.
  Mr. Speaker, Don and Mona Russell have been outstanding members of 
the Tacoma community for more than 20 years. It take great pleasure in 
bringing to the attention of my colleagues in the House their story of 
citizenship, service to our Nation and our community, and their strong 
family commitment.

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