[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO THE BACHAN FAMILY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 30, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and respect that 
I wish to commend one of Northwest Indiana's finest families for their 
bravery in the field of battle and their willingness to fight for their 
country. The history of the Bachan family of East Chicago, Indiana, and 
their commitment and service to the United States of America, is a true 
source of pride in Northwest Indiana. The Bachans represent a great 
model of unwavering patriotism.
  Natives of East Chicago, these local heroes served and were stationed 
in many locations, including Korea, Germany, and Vietnam. For a single 
family to offer so much in defense of our freedom, they are to be 
commended with the highest praise and admiration. The men I stand to 
honor today are: Paul Bachan, Milan Bacan, Richard Bacan, Michael 
Bacan, the late Joseph Bachan, Daniel Bachan, Robert Bachan, and Steven 
Darryl Mihailovich, as well as their brothers-in-law, Donald 
Knieriemen, a veteran of the United States Navy, and the late Henry 
Butch Haluska, a veteran of the United States Air Force.
  To further demonstrate their desire to serve their country, two of 
these men, Joseph and Robert Bachan, chose to make careers of their 
service. Joseph served his entire military career in the United States 
Army, the branch where all of the brothers served, while Robert split 
his time serving both in the United States Army and the United States 
Navy.
  It came as no surprise to those who knew the Bachan boys that these 
men would make the decision to serve their country. These men grew up 
together in East Chicago and always felt tremendous pride for their 
country, knowing all too well the dangers that would exist if they 
chose to enlist. Undeterred, they would go on to serve their country 
with selfless sacrifice and bravery. Their courage and heroism will 
always be remembered, and their sacrifice, along with the sacrifice of 
all of our veterans, lives on in the hearts and minds of all Americans. 
Surely, it is through the service of brave citizens like the Bachan 
brothers that we can enjoy the freedoms and values we so dearly 
treasure today.
  Madam Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring these fine individuals. Let us never 
forget their service and the sacrifices they made to preserve the 
ideals of freedom and democracy. I can say with certainty that 
Northwest Indiana is proud to be the home of the Bachan family.

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