[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 156 (Sunday, September 28, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    NELSON OSTIGUY IS SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS VETERAN OF THE YEAR

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                           HON. BARNEY FRANK

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, September 27, 2008

  Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, one of the most important 
organizations in the district I represent in terms of providing needed 
service to people who deserve our help is the Southeastern 
Massachusetts Veterans Housing Program, Inc. This group of dedicated 
and compassionate individuals maintains the Veterans Transition House 
and the Women's Veteran Transition House. One of the things they do 
annually as part of their overall program is to present a Southeastern 
Massachusetts Veteran of the Year Award. On November 6 of this year, 
that award will be presented to an extremely deserving individual--
Nelson Ostiguy. Mr. Ostiguy is now the Senior Executive Aide to the 
very able Mayor of New Bedford, Scott Lang. The leaders of the veterans 
program correctly describe Mr. Ostiguy as a ``behind the scenes type of 
person who is always there helping out but never seeking the 
recognition or limelight.''
  I am glad that his friends, admirers and the beneficiaries of his 
many good works have decided to give him a little limelight whether he 
likes it or not. And I am especially pleased to be able to add this 
tribute to him so that all of my colleagues can read about him because 
he is a very fitting model for others to emulate.
  Nelson Ostiguy joined the Marines when he was 18, and served for 4 
years, including combat service in Vietnam. He was the recipient of a 
number of medals in recognition of his courage. After a job in the 
private sector, he joined the Massachusetts State Police in May 1969, 
and served there for 27 years, and, as in his Marine service, he 
received frequent decorations for his bravery and good works. Since his 
retirement as Lt. Colonel/Assistant Superintendent of the Massachusetts 
State Police, he was the Associate Director of the Harvard University 
Police Department, put his dedication to young people to work as a 
substitute teacher in the school systems of New Bedford, and, again, is 
now an important aide to Mayor Lang.
  The list of Mr. Ostiguy's affiliations is impressive, but even his 
resume does not convey the benefit those who know him derive from being 
his friends and associates. Nelson Ostiguy is an outstanding citizen 
who very well deserves the title of Veteran of the Year that has been 
bestowed upon him by his fellow veterans--which I know makes the honor 
particularly meaningful to him.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join in celebrating the life 
and work of Nelson Ostiguy on this occasion of his being honored.




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