[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 111 (Tuesday, September 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF CHARLES AMPAGOOMIAN, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 19, 2000

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the life of a man who, 
throughout his life, gave unselfishly of himself to his town, his 
community, and his nation. The son of Armenian immigrants, Charles 
Ampagoomian Sr. was a life long resident of Northbridge (Whitinsville) 
which has honored him with the dedication of a bridge in his memory.
  In 1939, at the age of 17, Mr. Ampagoomian enlisted in the Army where 
he served until the outbreak of World War II. Serving with the 885th 
Bombardment Squadron of the Fifteenth Air Force Staff Sergeant 
Ampagoomian served his nation with honor participating in the campaigns 
of North Apennines, Naples, Foggia, Southern France, Rome, Arno, Air 
Combat Balkans, Rhineland, Po Valley, and Northern France. During his 
service, Staff Sergeant Ampagoomian was recognized by the Army with 
numerous decorations including the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, 
Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge with I Oak Leaf Cluster, 
GO #3325 Hq 15th AF 44, European, African and Middle Eastern Theater 
Campaign Ribbon, Victory Medal, and American Defense Service Medal with 
Clasp.
  Following the War, Mr. Ampagoomian returned to his native Northbridge 
(Whitinsville) working for 35 years as a truck driver and union member. 
He was active in his community serving as past commander of the 
Whitinsville Veterans of Foreign Wars, a Member of the Board of 
Trustees of the Armenian Apostolic Church, on the Advisory Board of St. 
Camilis Hospital, and on the Northbridge Democratic Town Committee.
  I know that the entire town of Northbridge joins with me in honoring 
the memory of Charles Ampagoomian Sr. a man who was dedicated to family 
and community. Congratulations to his family on this honor.

                          ____________________