[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 59 (Thursday, March 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    TRIBUTE TO WAYNE ``BOOMER'' BUCK

                                 ______


                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 1995
  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, Saturday, April 8, 1995 will be a very 
special day for the State of Michigan and for the city of Taylor. On 
that day, tribute will be paid to a great patriot and a great friend to 
the veterans in Michigan, Wayne ``Boomer'' Buck.
  Boomer has served since June of 1994 as the State commander of the 
Michigan Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars. In that capacity, he 
has worked tirelessly to provide vigorous leadership to support the 
department's member posts, and guide their commanders. As the State 
commander, he has been responsible for the administration of a 
department with 88,000 members, comprised of veterans of all conflicts 
from World War I to the present.
  Wayne Buck was born and raised in Michigan. He joined the U.S. Navy 
in 1956, and served aboard a 7th Fleet destroyer in the South China Sea 
during a period of high tension in that part of the world. For that, he 
was awarded the China Service Ribbon. He returned to duty in the United 
States in 1957 and was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1962.
  Boomer has been active in the VFW since joining the Walter J. Smith 
Post 511 in New Britain, CT, in 1966. He became a life member of the 
VFW in 1970. While living in Connecticut, he served as an active member 
of his home post as well as on committees at the district and 
department level.
  After returning to his home State of Michigan, Boomer served as an 
officer and commander of Post 9283 in Southgate, achieving recognition 
as All State Commander in 1983. He later served in a district office, 
and was elected district four commander in 1987. His exceptional 
performance led to recognition as outstanding district commander that 
year. He later served as POW/MIA department chairman for Michigan, as 
Michigan vice commander, and became Michigan department commander in 
June, 1994.
  Mr. Speaker, my friend Wayne ``Boomer'' Buck has devoted his life to 
service of his country and those who have worn its uniform. He has done 
so with energy, integrity and skill. It is with pride that I commend 
him to you with the highest praise I can render: ``Citizen, Patriot, 
Friend.''


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