[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E534-E535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MR. JESSE J. MORANDO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2008

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and gratitude 
that I stand before you today to recognize one of Northwest Indiana's 
most dedicated, distinguished, and honorable citizens, Mr. Jesse J. 
Morando, 2007-2008 State Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
(VFW), Department of Indiana. A lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, 
Jesse is one of the most passionate and involved citizens that I have 
ever known, especially when it comes to his service to our veterans. To 
honor Jesse for his constant efforts to better the quality of life for 
Indiana's veterans, a testimonial dinner will be held at the Veterans 
of Foreign Wars Post 802 Hall in Hammond, Indiana, on Sunday, April 13, 
2008.
  Jesse James Morando was born in East Chicago, Indiana, the fourth of 
ten children. After relocating to Whiting, Indiana, in 1958, Jesse 
attended Immaculate Conception for grade school. Jesse's involvement in 
community activities began at an early age, when he excelled as a 
member of the Boy Scouts of America, eventually reaching the rank of 
Eagle Scout. Recognized as one of Whiting's young leaders, Jesse was 
even appointed ``Mayor for a Day.'' As a high school student at Whiting 
High School, Jesse excelled in athletics, participating on both the 
football and wrestling teams.
  Following his graduation from Whiting High School, Jesse joined the 
United States Marine Corps and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. After 
receiving his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in 1973, Jesse 
returned to Northwest Indiana and accepted a position at the Amoco, now 
BP, refinery in Whiting, where he has 27 years of service and has 
completed an apprentice program in pipe fitting and welding. Jesse's 
service, however, to veterans and to the Northwest Indiana community 
has remained a constant throughout his lifetime.
  While he is well-known as the State Commander of the VFW, Jesse has 
also been involved in numerous other veterans' and service 
organizations in Northwest Indiana. Jesse is a life member of the 
American Legion Post 80 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2724 in 
Whiting, and also a member of the 40/8 Voiture 470 First District of 
Indiana, the AMVETS Post 64 in Whiting, the Indiana Freemasons, and the 
Mixtecas Motorcycle Group. Additionally, he is a life member of the VFW 
National Home.
  Early on, Jesse learned that the best way to improve his community 
and to help people was to get involved. In many different roles, Jesse 
has remained true to one goal, to make a difference in society. From 
his service to veterans to his involvement in programs geared toward 
helping those in need, be it physically or financially, Jesse has 
always been a driving force in bettering the lives of many people. 
While it is impossible to list all of the ways in which Jesse has 
served his community, to name a few, Jesse has been a coach for the 
Challenger baseball team, where he assisted with obtaining funds to pay 
for the Field of Dreams in Hammond, Indiana. This outstanding program 
was aimed at affording physically challenged children the opportunity

[[Page E535]]

to play baseball. He has also assisted with the Special Olympics, 
participated in motorcycle runs for Toys-for-Tots and other 
organizations to help those in need, been a personal donor for Locks of 
Love, and for the past six years, he has volunteered his time to the 
March of Dimes, raising money and assisting participants at an annual 
event in Highland, Indiana.
  A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Jesse's commitment to 
veterans throughout Indiana is surpassed only by his love for his 
family. Jesse and his loving wife, Laura, are the proud parents of five 
children: Jennifer, Samantha, Sara, Elizabeth, and Jesse III, and three 
adoring grandchildren: Kali Rose, James IV, and Jaslyn.
  Madam Speaker, Jesse Morando has selflessly given his time and 
efforts to not only veterans, but to many other groups as well, 
throughout his lifetime of service. At this time, I ask that you and 
all of my distinguished colleagues join me in commending him for his 
leadership and dedication. He serves as a true inspiration in the eyes 
of a grateful community.

                          ____________________