[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 73 (Friday, June 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1094]]
                       TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM GAYNOR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 9, 2006

  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to William (Bill) 
Gaynor whose deep patriotism and compassionate heart has brought 
strength and comfort to numerous military families in Logan County, 
Colorado.
  Bill is a proud Marine who proudly served from 1958-1962. As a 
Vietnam vet, he went on to serve in the American Legion. Bill was Post 
Commander for two consecutive terms, Vice-Commander for the State of 
Colorado, and Vice Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the 
National American Legion for three consecutive terms.
  Bill was involved in Marine recruiting for 28 years. When a young 
Marine that Bill helped to recruit became seriously wounded in Iraq in 
2004, Bill found a new purpose for his knowledge and background. As he 
helped this local family react to the crisis caused by an improvised 
explosive device (lED) in Iraq, Bill discovered that most local 
military families had limited knowledge of military procedures and 
processes. Bill, his wife Denise, and friend LuAnn Travis reacted to 
this need and formed the Military Family Support Group. This group has 
been able to locate and reach out to all of the families in the county 
with children or family members serving in the military. This group has 
met once or twice a month for almost 2 years, giving families the 
chance to share news, information, and concerns with each other about 
their loved ones.
  Bill is always willing to make himself available on a moment's notice 
to any family--in times of celebration as well as times of crisis. 
Members of the military from Logan County have received hundreds of 
cards from local citizens, boxes of goodies and supplies, as well as 
cards made by school students for Thanksgiving, Christmas and other 
holidays through the efforts of the Military Family Support Group.
  Marines such as Bill are trained to think independently and act 
aggressively with speed and initiative. Bill demonstrates this by his 
constant willingness to react swiftly to the needs of the local 
families. They turn to him because they know his heart is with his 
family, the American people, and the young men who serve to protect 
them. Bill never passes up an opportunity to honor or speak on behalf 
of veterans or members of the military. The United States Marines are 
the world's finest warriors and they are devoted to each other and the 
cause of freedom. Bill is in his heart and soul a United States Marine 
and lives the motto--`Semper Fidelis'--always faithful.
  Mr. Speaker, our precious veterans are heroes who have left their 
homes to defend our Nation, and then returned to be valued members of 
their communities, showing their children and grandchildren how to live 
meaningful lives of service. I want to take this brief moment to honor 
Bill Gaynor for the sacrifices that he made and his continued 
commitment to all of those who serve our great Nation in the profession 
of arms. May God bless his family, may God bless our precious veterans, 
and may God bless America.

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