[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 123 (Monday, October 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1796-E1797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO JOEL BOUCHARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 4, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay tribute to veteran

[[Page E1797]]

Joel Bouchard from Clifton, Colorado, for overcoming adversity. Joel 
served his country as a soldier in World War II, and after being 
injured in battle, went to school to begin a new career. He was 
determined to triumph over his injuries, and I would like to join my 
colleagues here today in recognizing his tremendous achievement before 
this body of Congress.
  On September 25 1944, Joel Bouchard was fighting the German army in a 
German forest when shrapnel injured his leg. He would be treated in a 
MASH unit and then have several follow-up surgeries in an English 
Hospital. Because of the injury, Joel's' right leg is paralyzed from 
the knee down. The injury prohibited him from retuning to his job in a 
ball bearing plant. Thankfully, a program created in 1945 by the Joseph 
Bulova School of Watchmaking would provide Joel a new beginning. The 
Bulova family established the school to allow disabled veterans to be 
self-sufficient. Jewelers throughout the country committed over 1500 
positions to the graduates of the school. The son of a blacksmith, Joel 
excelled as a student and has been a master horologist for half a 
century.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to honor Joel Bouchard for his service 
to this country and his courage to overcome his serious injury. Joel 
serves as an example to us all that there is always hope, and a chance 
for a new beginning, and it is with great pleasure to recognize him 
today before this body of Congress and this Nation. Thank you, Joel, 
for you service to this country. Your story of perseverance serves as 
an inspiration to us all. I wish you the best in all of you future 
endeavors.

                          ____________________