[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN JOSEPH A. PARISEAU

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2002

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give recognition to the 
extraordinary life of Captain Joseph A. Pariseau who, at the age of 82, 
passed away on February 23, 2002.
  Joe was born March 19, 1919, in Franklin, MA, the son of a baker. 
Nurtured by a loving family of seven, Joe spent a happy childhood in 
Attleboro, MA, excelling in sports like the other Pariseau boys. He 
attended Providence College on a football scholarship, graduating in 
1941 with a degree in Philosophy.
  After earning his Navy wings in 1942, Joe was assigned to VP-63, 
flying combat missions based from Wales, Gibraltar and North Africa, 
patrolling for German submarines. Other career highlights include 
Flight Ordnance Test Pilot with VX-5, Fleet Air Gunnery Unit (precursor 
to Top Gun) in 1958, Aide to Admiral Wendell Switzer, an icon in Naval 
Aviation, evaluation of the first U.S. angled carrier deck on USS 
Antietam and Air Boss on the USS Ranger. He served as Commanding 
Officer of Fighter Squadron VF-53, Carrier Early Warning Wing 12 and 
NAS Chase Field.
  During his distinguished career, Joe flew over 40 aircraft types. His 
many Naval honors include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, 
Presidential Unit Citation with star, European-African-Middle Eastern 
Campaign Medal with two stars, and the Meritorious Service Medal for 
his work as Project Manager for the Navy's billion dollar E-2C Hawkeye 
aircraft project.
  After his 30-year career as a Naval Aviator, the ``Flying Frenchman'' 
(his aviator call sign) retired to manage his ranch in Beeville, TX, 
for 31 years. Joe was married to Mary D. Lassiter of New York, until 
her death in 1960. He married Anna Claire Heard of Beeville, TX, in 
1965. They remained devoted to each other and married for 36 years 
until her death on February 13, 2002.
  Joe is survived by his daughter, Paige Pariseau Ochenrider of 
Whitefish, MT; son Robert R. Pariseau and wife Laurie of San Antonio, 
TX; brother Roland Pariseau; sister, Lucille Pariseau, both of 
Attleboro, MA; grandchildren Michael Pariseau of Mountain View, CA, 
Stacey Lowrance of Tacoma, WA, and Mark Ochenrider of Seattle, WA; and 
great grandchildren Colton and Madilynn Lowrance. A talented chef and 
superb dancer, Joe was devoted to his family and a true gentleman. A 
hero in the eyes of his family, Joe's service to our country reminds me 
of a passage in James A. Michener's great classic, ``The Bridges at 
Toko-Ri''.
  ``Why is America lucky enough to have such men? They leave this tiny 
ship and fly against the enemy. Then they must seek the ship, lost 
somewhere at sea. And when they find it, they have to land upon its 
pitching deck. Where did we get such men?''

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