[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   THE MERCED COUNTY VFW HONOR GUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 25, 2007

  Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, it is with the greatest pleasure and 
gratitude that I rise today to recognize the Merced County VFW Honor 
Guard for their many years of selfless service on behalf of their 
fellow veterans of the United States of America. I am particularly 
honored to recognize this team of individuals as they served as Honor 
Guard at the burial service of my own father, Manuel Cardoza, who 
served in the U.S. Merchant Marines during World War II.
  For many years, members of the Winton VFW Post #7792, the Atwater VFW 
Post #9946, and the Merced VFW Post #4327 worked together to help 
conduct proper burial services for our local veterans. These 
individuals have worked long hours and gruesome schedules in order to 
serve their fellow veterans. Within the last few years, they have 
averaged 157 burial services, dedicated 4511 man hours, and traveled 
more than 4800 miles each year.
  I would like to take a moment to recite the names of the veterans who 
have dedicated their time, energy and resources to providing their 
fellow veterans with honorable burial services as members of the Honor 
Burial Team. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring 
those members of the Honor Guard who have gone before us: Louis 
Gonzales #9946, Paul Gunderson #7792, Ernie Dominquez #4327, Wyn 
Aguirre #9946, David Barrone #9946, John Aue #9946, Mel Hode #9946, 
Vern Kolander #7792, Bill and Evelyn Petrie #7792, Bill Butler #9946, 
Charles Hickman #9946, Frank and Mary Gaffney #9946, and Bryce Tillman 
#9946. And it is with great sincerity that I ask my colleagues to join 
me in honoring the current members of the Merced County Honor Guard: 
Commander Richard Clerkin #7792, Chaplain Ken Wenrich #7792, Honorary 
Chaplain Father Tom Timmings, Rifle Team Captain George Stroud #7792, 
Bugler Bill Dacus #4327, Quarter Master Don Dean #9946, Ray Baker 
#7792, Dick Darby #7792, Ernie Connor #7792, Judge Brown #7792, Gerald 
Dunker #7792, Byron McNamara #9946, Ken Henn #9946, John Douglas #9946, 
Bill Oliver #9946, Tony Castro #9946, David Loeser #9946, James Tyson 
#9946, Willie Kimoto #7792, and Ishmael Hernandez #9946.
  Throughout our history, brave men and women have risked their lives 
to preserve freedom for future generations. It is a tradition unlike 
any other. Each member of the United States Armed Forces is an 
inspiration to the American people in their patriotism, skill, and 
selfless dedication to the ideals that make this Nation great. Madam 
Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Merced County 
VFW Honor Guard for their service and for their selfless commitment to 
honoring their fellow veterans with the most appropriate and necessary 
military burial. I wholeheartedly extend my sincerest appreciation to 
each individual of this outstanding team. Thank you for serving our 
country with bravery and honor, and thank you for continuing to serve 
your fellow veterans.

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