[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 26 (Thursday, February 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS OF LT.C. AARON A. CRAYCROFT

                                 ______


                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 29, 1996

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to relate a very 
inspiring story. It is not an unfamiliar plot, but one that always 
reassures my faith in the American dream and the work ethic that has 
made this country the greatest in the world. Aaron A. Craycroft of 
Macon County, IL, the northernmost county of Illinois' 19th district, 
has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy Air 
Corps, and I salute his ascension to this position.
  Military service in the United States has always been a position of 
honor for those who have served, and often represents the opportunity 
for personal betterment that is inherent in the idea of the United 
States. This has proved to be the case for Aaron. He enlisted in the 
Navy in 1974 without a college degree. Since then he has devoted his 
life to serving our country to the best of his ability, and his 
dedication has provided much in return. Aaron has traveled the world 
via aircraft carrier, learned the highly specialized skill of aviation 
electronics, and after putting that training to use repairing A-6 
fighters, he is now the administrator of the school where he learned 
the craft. From humble origins, Lieutenant Commander Craycroft has 
achieved success through 20 years of hard work. His example is a model 
for the youth of today, for there are no easy answers, no quick fixes, 
and no substitute for giving your all. The path to opportunity and 
fulfillment exists if you are willing to give of yourself.
  Mr. Speaker, Aaron's story is especially meaningful to me, because at 
17, I also entered the armed services without having been to college, 
and I will never forget what that opportunity has meant to my life. I 
would like to thank Lieutenant Commander Craycroft for his devotion to 
his country's security. I am honored to represent him and his family in 
the U.S. Congress.

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