[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING CAPTAIN JOSEPH AVVEDUTI, CMDR., U.S.S. ``KALAMAZOO''

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2000

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to come today 
before this House and the American people to formally thank and honor a 
true American hero, Capt. Joseph Avveduti, for his great and long 
service to our nation.
  Captain Avveduti served as commander of the U.S.S. Kalamazoo from 
September 1995 to August 1996, and will be retiring from the U.S. Navy 
in July of this year. His retirement will not only be a great loss to 
our Armed Forces, but our nation as a whole.
  Joseph Avveduti first came to my attention as commander of the U.S.S. 
Kalamazoo, a vessel whose namesake is Kalamazoo, MI, a city in my 
district. Like the residents of Kalamazoo, Captain Avveduti represents 
the best America has to offer.
  In reviewing his distinguished service record, Captain Avveduti's 
dedication to his country is immediately evident. Throughout his many 
years of meritorious service to our country, he has been awarded the 
Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Medal and the 
prestigious Legion of Merit in addition to service and campaign medals 
too numerous to name here.
  Captain Avveduti should be embraced as a shining example for many 
young men and women who are entering our Armed Forces today. After 
graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1974, he was designated a 
naval aviator and served his initial aviation tour with the helicopter 
Anti-Submarine Squadron in Jacksonville, FL.
  Mr. Speaker, Captain Joseph Avveduti has not only spoken of 
dedication and service to our nation throughout his career--he's lived 
it. Between 1983 and 1985 while serving as the assistant air officer of 
the U.S.S. Guam, Joseph Avveduti saw combat in Grenada and in Beirut, 
Lebanon. Just a few years later, Captain Avveduti was once again called 
to arms to defend democracy during Operation Desert Storm. During this 
conflict, by all accounts, Captain Avveduti served valiantly aboard the 
U.S.S. Saratoga in the Red Sea as part of the team that successfully 
defeated Saddam Hussein and restored freedom to the people of Kuwait.
  After returning to the United States, in 1997 Captain Avveduti 
graduated from the National War College here in Washington, DC, and, in 
his tradition of continuing dedication, he currently holds the Chief of 
Naval Operations Chair at that institution.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe I speak for every Member of this Congress and 
a grateful nation when I extend to Captain Avveduti, his wife Carol, 
and his sons Joseph and David, our best wishes for a happy, healthy, 
and productive retirement. Because I am humbled by his dedication and 
achievements, I ask your indulgence in making these remarks part of the 
permanent record of the Congress so that all Americans, now and in the 
future, can read and reflect on the honor, distinguished service and 
achievements of a great American--Capt. Joseph Avveduti.

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