[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF GEORGE DURINKA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of George 
``Bullwinkle'' Durinka, for his outstanding service to our country both 
as a soldier and as a veteran. For the 2002-2003 year, Mr. Durinka has 
been selected to be the State of Ohio Commander for the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars.
  Mr. Durinka joined the V.F.W. in 1968 following subsequent tours in 
Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. While overseas, he demonstrated his 
patriotism by earning, among others, the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam 
Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Medal, for his honorable 
service as a fuel specialist in the US Air Force.
  Currently serving his post as Judge Advocate of the Lake Erie VFW 
Post 1974, from 1990 to 1994, Mr. Durinka was elected Post Commander 
and was named an All-State Post Commander. In 1995, he was elected 
District 7 Commander, serving as the Athlete-of-the-year Chairman, the 
POW/MIA chairman, and the Color Guard. At the national level, Mr. 
Durinka has served as a member of the National VFW MIA/POW Committee, 
the National Veterans Service Resolutions Committee, the National Youth 
Development and Recognition Committee, and the National Veterans 
Employment Committee.
  Outside of the V.F.W., Mr. Durinka is employed by J.G.D Associates, 
working as a civil engineering draftsman. Mr. Durinka enjoys training 
in the Martial Arts. Author of a 1985 Martial Arts book, and since 1979 
the Chief Martial Arts instructor for the Western Campus of the 
Cuyahoga Community College, Mr. Durinka is a 4th Degree blackbelt in 
Tae-Kwan-Do. A family man, Mr. Durinka has the full support of his 
wonderful wife Judy, and the love of his two daughters, Kelly and 
Michelle.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me today in tribute to George Durinka for 
his exemplary record of service, and for his unrivaled dedication to 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars, May his upcoming opportunity to serve as 
State Commander prove to be an incredible and memorable part of his 
career serving the both the V.F.W. and America in general.

                          ____________________