[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 84 (Monday, June 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1277-E1278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIVONIA, MICHIGAN'S CHAPTER 114 OF THE DISABLED 
                           AMERICAN VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 26, 2006

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge the 
50th Anniversary of the Livonia, Michigan Chapter 114 of the Disabled 
American Veterans.
  For five decades, Chapter 114 has tirelessly sought to improve the 
quality of life for disabled veterans. Founded in a basement by 12 
people in 1956, Livonia Chapter 114 had 31 charter members. Now the 
third largest in the state of Michigan, this chapter has blossomed into 
a membership of 1,500.
  After 50 years, Chapter 114 continues to promote appreciation and 
understanding of American history at local schools through benevolence 
and outreach. To foster patriotism,

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members host a writing contest, What the American Flag Means to Me; to 
encourage involvement, members sponsor local ROTC programs; and, to 
educate young men and women, members speak with students about the role 
of America in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
  The members of Chapter 114 also play a vital role in the lives of 
other veterans. They schedule hospital visits to newly admitted 
veterans and wounded soldiers, plan bingo nights for hospitalized 
soldiers and veterans, assist with health benefit claims for disabled 
soldiers, and donate modified cars to help disabled veterans drive.
  The organization is also an institution where veterans of all wars 
can meet other legendary former servicemen. One of the first members of 
the 1920 National Disabled American Veterans Convention in Detroit, 
Joseph Piccola, joined the U.S. Army in 1918 and lost an eye during 
World War I. At age 98, Joe continues to inspire members to retain 
their independence and give back to their community. Thomas Silvermail, 
another inspirational figure, was wounded in the Korean War and is the 
only surviving charter member of Chapter 114.
  Mr. Speaker, to the men, women, and children of our community; to the 
families of missing and fallen soldiers; and to every veteran of 
foreign wars, Livonia Chapter 114 is the embodiment of eternal unity 
and brotherhood. For 50 years, the organization's tireless efforts have 
commemorated the lives of heroic servicemen, preserved the independence 
of disabled veterans, and ensured the bravery of our armed forces is 
never forgotten. We owe the courageous members of Chapter 114 a great 
debt of gratitude. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking 
them for their years of unrelenting service to our community and our 
country.

                          ____________________