[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 62 (Wednesday, April 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF CHARLIE ESKRIDGE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 18, 2007

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has 
dedicated many years of his life in respectful service to our nation 
and its military veterans. Charlie Eskridge has spent the past 54 years 
serving this country as a member of the U.S. Army and as a 
distinguished representative within the American Legion.
  Charlie enlisted into the Army in 1953 and during his 30 years of 
military service, he was 1st Sergeant of a medical company and also 
served as a Non-commissioned Officer in Charge for several medical 
clinics. He joined the American Legion in 1975 and has since held a 
wide array of positions, always advocating for the needs of his fellow 
veterans.
  Charlie has served the American Legion at all levels and has been a 
delegate to six National Conventions. As the American Legion Department 
Commander for California, Charlie actively represented 104,000 members. 
He traveled throughout the state to personally listen to the concerns 
and suggestions of other veterans and Legionnaires, and worked 
diligently to ensure that their voices were represented. Charlie has 
always made the interests of veterans his personal responsibility, and 
has ensured that support was provided to everyone with whom he spoke.
  Outside of his contributions to the American Legion, Charlie is also 
deeply involved in his community. He is currently the President of the 
Protestant Men of Chapel at Fort Ord, California and a member of the 
Monterey County Military and Veterans Affairs Advisory Commission. 
Charlie has served as both President and Vice President of the United 
Veterans Council and even served as the President of his local Parent-
Teacher Association. As a result of his immense contributions, Charlie 
has received the admiration of his community and has been awarded the 
Military Chapel's Unsung Hero Award, the Scroll of Honor, and has twice 
been named ``Veteran of the Year'' by the United Veterans Council and 
the Sons of the American Legion.
  Most importantly Charlie has had the love and support of his wife, 
and partner, Rosie, who has accompanied him on his many visits with 
veterans throughout the state of California. After almost 50 years of 
marriage Charlie and Rosie have two sons, Alvin and Charlie II, one 
daughter, Rosemary, and five grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House of Representatives, I would 
like to extend our Nation's deepest gratitude for Charlie Eskridge's 
service to the United States of America and for his many 
accomplishments for our military veterans.

                          ____________________