[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 24, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E952-E953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO JACK PORRINO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jack Porrino for his 
years of dedicated military service and for his commitment to serving 
the community.
  Jack was born in Italy and came to the United States when he was 8-
years-old. At age 18, he became a United States Citizen. Jack enlisted 
in the United States Air Force in 1969, and began what was to become a 
distinguished career in the service of this country. He served in the 
Air Force from September 1969 to May 1972. He then joined the Air 
National Guard, where he served until October 1989. After 20 years of 
service, Jack retired from the Armed Services with the rank of Master 
Sergeant.
  In 1993, Jack started working as a groundskeeper at the Southern 
Nevada Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada. Within a 
year, he was promoted to Superintendent of the Cemetery and maintains 
that position to this day. As Superintendent, Jack has had an 
overwhelming influence on the improvement of the Cemetery. He 
established an aggressive fundraising effort by instituting several 
programs to promote donations

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and recruit volunteers. As a result of the programs, countless 
individuals have donated time and funds that enabled the Cemetery to 
purchase trees, benches, pavers, floral vases and other items that have 
improved the aesthetic value and made it easier for individuals to pay 
their respects to the veterans who are interred at the Cemetery. During 
Jack's tenure as Superintendent, the Southern Nevada Veterans' Memorial 
Cemetery has undergone many expansions and has become the second 
busiest cemetery in the Nation. As part of the expansion and 
improvement efforts, Jack redesigned the monument section, converted 
several areas to water efficient desert landscaping, and assisted in 
the building of the Cemetery Chapel. As the final resting place for 
over 20,000 of our Nation's military heroes, the Southern Nevada 
Veterans' Memorial Cemetery has truly become a beautiful place to honor 
those veterans. This is due, in no small part, to Jack Porrino's 
dedication to making the Cemetery the best it can be.
  In addition to his dedication to the Veterans' Cemetery, Jack is 
committed to strong family values and community involvement. He and his 
wife Kathleen have been married for 36 years. Together, they have three 
children and one grandchild. Jack coaches Little League Sports and 
serves on the Board of Directors in his Home Owners Association. He 
also teaches Bible study classes at his church for children and adults 
and regularly speaks to Veterans' and civilian organizations.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Jack Porrino. He has dedicated his 
life to serving his country and honoring America's Veterans. As a 
result of his leadership and advocacy, the Southern Nevada Veterans' 
Memorial Cemetery has become a place of dignity, honor and beauty.

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