[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 96 (Wednesday, July 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1382-E1383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO MAJ. GEN. C. ``DEAN'' SANGALIS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 1997

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to 
congratulate Maj. Gen. C. ``Dean'' Sangalis on his receipt of the 1997 
Navy Award. Today, Dean will be presented with this award at the 
Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, IN, where there will be a 
testimonial luncheon featuring time-honored military customs and 
traditions. The Navy Award is bestowed upon individuals who have 
demonstrated outstanding achievements, dedication, and years of 
honorable service to their God, country, branch of service, and 
community.
  Throughout his life, Dean Sangalis has served as an exceptional 
example of a good American. As a U.S. Marine and World War II veteran, 
Dean has demonstrated the enduring qualities of loyalty, honor, and 
service to our country. In 1946, at age 19, Dean enlisted in the U.S. 
Marine Corps and, shortly thereafter, served with the 1st Service 
Battalion, 1st Marine Division, in Tientsen, China, and the 1st Marine 
Provisional Brigade on the island of Guam. He completed his initial 
tour of duty in April 1948, as a member of the All Navy Olympic 
Wrestling Team at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Dean was 
again called to active duty in June 1952, and began his rise up the 
ranks in September of that year when he was commissioned a second 
lieutenant. While on active duty, Dean served as a platoon commander of 
I Company, 3d Battalion, 9th Marines in Japan, and I Company, 3d 
Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in Korea. He completed his 
tour of duty with the Marine Detachment, Great Lakes, IL.
  Dean Sangalis further excelled during his 30 years of service as a 
Marine reservist. Some of his accomplishments in this capacity included 
serving as commanding officer in various companies and fulfilling high-
level administrative responsibilities. During Dean's assignment as 
commanding officer of the 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, the battalion was 
awarded the General Harry Schmidt Trophy as the most outstanding 
infantry battalion in 1971. Dean also served as: director of the Marine 
Corps Reserve Support Center in Kansas City, MO; assistant division 
commander, 4th Marine Division, New Orleans, LA; and commanding 
general, 2d Marine Amphibious Brigade. Dean was promoted to major 
general on May 18, 1985, and received his last designated assignment as 
commanding general, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, NC, in 1986. Maj. 
Gen. Sangalis joined the retired reserves on December 1, 1987.
  In addition to his outstanding military career, Dean Sangalis secured 
a successful professional career within the insurance industry. From 
1959 to 1992, Dean was district agent for Northwestern Life Insurance 
Co., specializing in a variety of areas within the field. While with 
Northwestern Life, Dean has served as a member of several prominent 
professional organizations, and has received numerous honors, including 
the 1975 State of Indiana Underwriter of the Year Award.
  Over the years, Dean Sangalis has also devoted countless hours to 
many volunteer

[[Page E1383]]

agencies in Indiana's First Congressional District. Dean has served as 
chairman of the American Cancer Society, fundraiser for the YMCA, and a 
member of the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of 
Northwest Indiana. He is also a member of the Merrillville Rotary Club 
and the Schererville Chamber of Commerce. Currently, Dean is on the 
fundraising committee of Trade Winds Rehabilitation Center. In 
recognition of Dean's outstanding volunteer leadership, the 
Northwestern Mutual matching gifts plan for agents and employees will 
present him with a $5,000 check for the Northwest Indiana Boys and 
Girls Club later this month.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in congratulating Maj. Gen. C. Dean Sangalis on his receipt of the 
1997 Navy Award. Dean's wife, Velda, their children, Callista, 
Theodore, Vanessa, and Christopher, and five grandchildren can be proud 
of his accomplishments. His strong devotion to country, and service to 
his community, truly embody the spirit of volunteerism.

                          ____________________