[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 120 (Thursday, September 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1515]]



                    IN RECOGNITION OF EMILIO R. JASO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREG LAUGHLIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 1996

  Mr. LAUGHLIN. Mr. Speaker, one of the privileges that I have most 
enjoyed as a Member of the House of Representatives is the opportunity 
to offer assistance to the hundreds of veterans who reside in the 14th 
congressional district, and today I would like to recognize and pay 
tribute to someone who has devoted countless hours to this cause, 
Emilio R. Jaso, whose exemplary service as the Refugio County veterans 
service officer has earned him the respect and gratitude of area 
veterans.
  Emilio Jaso was appointed to the veterans post in September 1988. A 
native of Refugio County, he retired from the U.S. Air Force with 20 
years active duty and 10 years reserve duty of honorable service to our 
country. Mr. Jaso served one tour of duty in Vietnam and was awarded 
the Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze 
Commendation Medals, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. In 
addition, he was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Good 
Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal with one Bronze Star, 
Presidential Unit Citation, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
  Known for his dedication, professionalism, and long hours of service, 
Mr. Jaso was presented the Outstanding Veterans Service Officer of the 
Year for the San Antonio Region in 1992. Furthermore, the past 2 years 
he has been selected the regional director for San Antonio and is 
considered to be one of the most respected county veterans service 
officers in the State.
  Veterans service officers routinely provide an array of assistance to 
veterans, including compensation and pension matters, hospitalization 
insurance, transportation, education, GI home and farm loans, 
disability retirement, and military records. Mr. Jaso continues to 
provide all of these services and many more to area veterans.
  Mr. Jaso also finds the time for a number of other causes. He is a 
life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6290 and was selected as 
the Outstanding Post Service Officer for the Department of Texas. He is 
a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1651, charter 
member of the Refugio County Veterans Monument Committee, member of 
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 210, member at-large of the American 
Veterans [AMVETS]. Mr. Jaso is frequently called upon by local schools 
to speak on patriotism.
  In recognition of his outstanding service to his country, Mr. Jaso 
has received certificates of recognition and appreciation from the 
Department Commander of the American Veterans [AMVETS], the chairman of 
Veterans Land Board for the State of Texas and the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars.
  Mr. Speaker, Refugio County is truly fortunate to have a veterans 
service officer with experience, compassion, and integrity that Mr. 
Jaso brings to his job. Emilio Jaso embodies the highest ideas of both 
government service and civic responsibility, and he deserves our 
profound gratitude and respect. I ask my colleagues to join me today in 
paying tribute to this outstanding American.

                          ____________________