[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JOE CASTILLO

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                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Joe Castillo of 
Fort Collins, CO, a Vietnam Veteran who undertook a meaningful journey 
from August 14 to November 11. He traveled on horseback from Fort 
Collins to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, in honor of 
his friends and comrades who lost their lives in Vietnam. He planned 
his trip for 2 years.
  Joe was born on July 14, 1950 in Texas. He enlisted in the Armed 
Forces and went to Vietnam at the tender age of 18 along with several 
of his friends. He was the only one of his group to return home.
  Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, November 8, Joe and his little troupe of 
horses and friends were stuck in the mountains of West Virginia in a 
cold downpour. They were running out of trail and the regular roads are 
too dangerous so they were worried they might not make it to Washington 
on time after all. Thanks to some members of the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars who are also horse people and who know how to navigate around that 
area, Joe and company were able to get out of the mountains and hook up 
with other VFW members in Cumberland, MD.
  But Joe and his horse, Indio, were on time and were part of the 
official Vietnam Memorial ceremonies Tuesday. The Park Service agreed 
to allow Joe to ride Indio to the Wall and the Vietnam Memorial 
Foundation allowed Joe to present his flag at the official ceremonies 
and say a few words. How fitting it was, Mr. Speaker, that Joe 
Castillo, who has grown into such an outstanding citizen, spoke at this 
event.
  We owe Joe Castillo our encouragement and praise for such a long 
journey to honor those who died for our country. He has shown greater 
character, integrity, and selflessness for embarking on this incredible 
pilgrimage to the Vietnam Wall. The total estimated mileage is 1,986 
and 90 days of travel on horseback.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and the veterans 
community in praise of Joe Castillo for the shining example he sets for 
all Americans.

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