[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E230-E231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO VAL ALVARADO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay tribute to Valentino Alvarado of Montrose, Colorado. Val served in 
the United States Navy for over 23 years and is a veteran of three 
American wars. Val had been in the Navy less than a year when his ship, 
the USS Maryland, was hit during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 
December 7, 1941. Today, I would like

[[Page E231]]

to pay tribute to Val's life and contributions before this body of 
Congress and this nation.
  Val joined the Navy when he was still in his senior year at Montrose 
High School. At age 17, Val dropped out of high school and went to boot 
camp in San Diego. After basic training, he was assigned to the USS 
Maryland, serving as a mess cook stationed in Pearl Harbor. On the 
morning of the attack, two Japanese torpedoes hit the bow and stern of 
his ship, causing many casualties to the crew. Miraculously, Val was 
able to escape the attack unharmed and soon reported to a new ship 
preparing for war.
  After World War II, Val continued to serve his country through both 
the Korean and the Vietnam Wars. Between wars, Val made a living as a 
professional boxer and won the military bantam weight boxing title. 
After serving in the military for 23 years, Val retired and went into 
law enforcement. He was the first Hispanic officer ever to serve in the 
Montrose Police Department. He also enrolled at Colorado University, 
where Val received his bachelor's degree. Today, Val lives at home in 
Montrose and serves as a role model and mentor to his two 
grandchildren, who he also wants to see graduate from college.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with earnest respect that I recognize Valentino 
Alvarado of Montrose, Colorado before this body of Congress and this 
nation. Throughout his life, Val has served his country with the honor, 
distinction, and integrity that we, as Americans, have come to respect 
from our nation's military. His courage is a testimony to his 
character, and it is an honor to represent such an outstanding American 
in this Congress.

                          ____________________