[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 144 (Thursday, November 3, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF JOHN J. NICASTRO, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 2, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute and recognition of 
John J. Nicastro, Sr., upon his induction into the Ohio Veterans Hall 
of Fame, Class of 2005.
  Mr. Nicastro was one of twenty inductees selected by a 13-member 
executive committee comprised of veteran leaders from throughout Ohio. 
Mr. Nicastro holds the distinction as being one of the youngest 
Commission Combat Officers in the United States Air Force. By age 19, 
he had risen up the military ranks to Second Lieutenant. His assignment 
with the 8th Army Air Force, 303rd Heavy Bomb Group, known as the 
Hell's Angels, took him to the European Theater of Operations, where 
his exemplary service included the successful completion of 35 combat 
missions.
  Following his service in WWII, Mr. Nicastro became an installer with 
the Ohio Bell Telephone Company. Like his service in the military, he 
ascended the corporate ladder, attaining the position of Account 
Executive. During his tenure at Ohio Bell, Mr. Nicastro led the effort 
to upgrade communication systems throughout the county, including the 
implementation of the 911 emergency calling system. Aside from his 
professional career, Mr. Nicastro continues to reflect a life-long 
focus on service to his community. He served as a member of the 
Independence City Council for sixteen years, served as President of the 
Independence Board of Education, and has held numerous leadership 
positions in veterans and civic organizations. Mr. Nicastro was awarded 
the Legion of Honor Award for his forty-five years of exemplary service 
with Kiwanis International of Independence, OH.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of John J. Nicastro, Sr., as he is inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall 
of Fame. Mr. Nicastro's significant contribution to his country, and 
his focused dedication on family and community, continue to strengthen 
and uplift our community and our Nation.

                          ____________________