[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 8 (Thursday, January 16, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S1065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        TRIBUTE TO ELMO JOHNSON

 Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, it is my honor to rise today in 
recognition of an outstanding World War II veteran from Wisconsin, Mr. 
Elmo Johnson. Originally from Black River Falls, Mr. Johnson joined the 
Army in 1945 and was stationed near Guam at Saipan. A trumpet player 
since the age of 11, he played for the troops as part of the 285th AGF 
Band Unit. Mr. Johnson also organized a band called Swingmasters which 
performed at local Saipan clubs.
  Later in his career, while stationed at Iwogima, Japan, he started to 
play Taps for his unit. Ever since returning from World War II, Mr. 
Johnson has volunteered to play Taps at funerals for other Wisconsin 
veterans. He has been a member of the Black River Falls Miles-Hagen 
American Legion Post for over 50 years, and was named commander in 
1946. Mr. Johnson has played Taps over 950 times, and I praise his goal 
of 1,000 farewells. His band, renamed ``Elmo Johnson and the Johnny 
Brass Band,'' performs extensively throughout Western Wisconsin.
  I would like to acknowledge the contributions Mr. Elmo Johnson and 
other brave veterans have made to the State of Wisconsin. We honor Mr. 
Johnson as he continues to demonstrate his generous spirit by sharing 
his musical gift around the State.

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