[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 76 (Tuesday, May 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO CHARLES JOHN EBNER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN J. LaFALCE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 25, 1999

  Mr. LaFALCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my good 
friend and cousin, Charles ``Chuck'' Ebner, on the occasion of his 75th 
birthday on June 7th. Chuck was born in Albany, New York, and currently 
resides with his wife, Laurel, in Barberton, Ohio. I would like to 
bring to the attention of my colleagues the dedicated service to 
country and community that has distinguished the life of Charles John 
Ebner.
  In 1942, at the age of 18, Chuck enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was a 
``selected volunteer'' for the U.S. Naval Armed Guard. He attended 
Gunnery School in Virginia and then was assigned to his first ship, the 
U.S.S. China Mail, whose mission was to transport troops to Africa.
  On his second tour of duty on the China Mail, the ship 
circumnavigated the world. The long voyage embarked from the West Coast 
of Africa, traveling westward across the Atlantic to the Caribbean and 
through the Panama Canal. After crossing the South Pacific to 
Australia, the China Mail continued across the Indian Ocean and into 
the Persian Gulf, where it dropped off cargo in Iran. The ship passed 
through the Suez Canal and sailed across the Mediterranean on its 
return to the West Coast of Africa.
  Chuck then returned to the Brooklyn Navy Yard where he prepared for 
his next assignment as a gunner on the U.S.S. Carlos Carrillo. Later he 
was transferred to the U.S.S. Sacajawea, which took part in the 
invasion of Leyte in the Philippines. Shortly thereafter, his ship 
sailed to Pearl Harbor. At the end of the war, Chuck was ordered to 
return to the United States where he was honorably discharged from the 
U.S. Navy at Lido Beach, New York on October 14, 1945.
  But Chuck's patriotism and sense of duty inspired him to re-enlist in 
the U.S. Navy on February 13, 1947 and train to become a radioman. In 
that capacity, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Prairie and stationed at 
the Atlantic City Naval Air Station until his second honorable 
discharge on February 5, 1952.
  Near the end of his military career, Chuck married Laurel Kelley on 
January 25, 1951. Upon his discharge, they moved to Barberton, Ohio--
known as the ``Magic City.'' Chuck and Laurel have three adult 
children, Cathy, Linda and Jack, and have been blessed with nine 
grandchildren.
  Chuck's commitment and dedication to his country and community did 
not end with his military career. During his years in Barberton, Chuck 
coached Little League and in 1959 joined the Barberton All Sports 
Boosters--on which he served as an officer for ten years and as 
president for three. Chuck also served as president of the Barberton 
Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for five years and was 
the founder of the Barberton Sports Hall of Fame in 1979. Chuck was 
elected the first president of that organization and still serves in 
that position.
  In 1980, Chuck was nominated for the Distinguished Service Award by 
the Barberton Jaycees for his sports activities in the community. He 
continued his strong commitment to youth and sports by organizing the 
Barberton Reunion Basketball game to honor the Barberton State Champs 
of 1976. The sold-out game raised money for the Barberton Little 
League, Crippled Children Circus Fund and the Barberton All Sports 
Boosters. Chuck also organized student dances at Barberton High and 
started the All Sports Banquets.
  Among Chuck's many community service awards for these and other 
activities, he received the ``Andy Palich Outstanding Athletic Service 
Award'' from the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame, of which he is now 
a board member.
  Chuck is now retired from Seiberling Rubber and from his employment 
as the Outside Bailiff for the Barberton Municipal Court. But he is not 
retired from his community. Chuck continues to dedicate even more of 
his time and boundless energy to promote sports among the youth of 
Barberton.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend Chuck Ebner on his 75th birthday for his 
lifelong dedication and commitment not only to his country, but to his 
family and the youth of his community. He is a true role model for our 
young people. I wish him continued success and good health in the years 
to come.

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