[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 25 (Friday, February 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MR. GARY KURPIUS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 8, 2007

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a 
great Alaskan, Mr. Gary Kurpius, who was recently elected Commander-in-
Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Nation's largest association 
of combat veterans. Gary Kurpius was elected to his position on August 
31, 2006, at the VFW's 10th National Convention, in Reno, Nevada. Gary 
Kurpius is the first Alaskan to hold this tremendously important 
position.
  During the Vietnam War Gary Kurpius served with the Army's 541st 
Transportation Company providing vital convoy security throughout the 
central highlands, an extremely treacherous area. He was awarded the 
National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with four 
bronze service stars and the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, for his 
endeavors during the conflict. In addition to the medals received 
during Vietnam, Gary Kurpius was selected Vietnam Veteran of the Year 
for St. Louis County, Minnesota by President Jimmy Carter.
  After the war, Gary Kurpius continued his unremitting passion for 
public service. This led him to join VFW Post 1539 in Babbitt, 
Minnesota in 1970, where he became a life member. He earned the title 
of All American Post Commander in 1977 and in 1983 was named All 
American District Commander. Gary then transferred to VFW Post 9785 in 
Eagle River, Alaska in 1985. Currently Gary is a Life Member of VFW 
Post 9365 in Wasilla, Alaska, near to where he currently resides with 
his wife Nancy, in the beautiful city of Anchorage.
  Gary has served diligently in the Department of Alaska service office 
for the last 19 years and as Department Adjutant for the past 17 years. 
Then in 2001, Gary was elected Department Commander and earned All-
American Department Commander status. Most recently Gary completed a 
two-year term as Governor Tony Knowles' appointee to the Alaska 
Veterans Advisory Council.
  Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Gary Kurpius, is 
also a member of the Military Order of the Cootie, American Legion and 
Vietnam Veterans of America. In 1999, he received the Alaska Community 
Service Medal. Few men have had such a dedicated and lengthy history of 
service and I know that Gary Kurpius will continue to serve with the 
same dedication and fortitude, meeting all the challenges he is 
presented with.
  On behalf of The United States of America, I extend my thanks and 
appreciation to Commander-in-Chief Gary Kurpius, for his dedication and 
service to American Servicemen, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and to 
the people of the Great State of Alaska.

                          ____________________