[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 25, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1087]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO GEORGE F. HEFFNER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK E. SOUDER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 25, 2005

  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize an 
individual from my district who has dedicated his life to making our 
country safer. Not only has this man served our Country in WorId War 
II, but he continues to go beyond the call of duty by providing his 
service to military funerals and always being available to lend a 
helping hand for the community.
  George F. Heffner was born on March 30, 1923 in Osceola, Indiana. He 
served in the U.S. Army in France and Germany during WWII, and was 
wounded in action. Mr. Heffner received the Purple Heart three times 
and was awarded the Bronze Star for his valiant actions. He married 
Senora who passed away in 2002. Together they have one son and one 
daughter. After returning home from the war, Mr. Heffner was one of the 
founders of Auspro Manufacturing in the 1950s which has enabled him the 
time to freely dedicate his life to service for others. Mr. Heffner has 
held many offices in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, including Commander 
in 1964. He is also a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the 
American Legion.
  Mr. Heffner was honored on April 29, 2005 by the United Labor Agency 
for Community Services as their ``Retiree of the Year'' for his 
volunteer work in Elkhart County with the Harvest Basket for the past 8 
years. He has spent many hours assisting the Salvation Army in ringing 
bells at Christmas time and helping with their community-wide 
breakfasts. He has been active in the VFW in helping with purchasing 
the food and delivering the baskets to the needy at Christmas. He 
always volunteers to distribute ``Buddy Poppys'' at Memorial Day and 
helps put crosses on the gravesites of deceased members during the 
month of May. Every January he hosts a meal at the VFW Post of ham and 
beans, paying for the food and cooking it himself. He is an active 
member of the Goshen Military Funeral Detail which conducts gravesite 
services for deceased veterans. He always insists on driving members to 
the cemetery in his van. He always has a smile on his face and tries to 
make everyone smile. His personality shines through to make everyone a 
happier person. He has helped many organizations in many different ways 
and continues to make a difference in the community.

                          ____________________