[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 125 (Tuesday, September 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING WILLIAM A. LaMARCH, U.P. VETERAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2009

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a constituent who has 
distinguished himself both in service to his country and to his 
community. Mr. William A. LaMarch has been named ``Upper Peninsula 
Veteran of the Year'' by the U.P. Veterans Committee. It is an honor 
befitting the dedication and patriotism Mr. LaMarch embodied both in 
the Armed Forces and in civilian life.
  Mr. LaMarch, a resident of Escanaba, Michigan, is a decorated Marine 
who served his country with honor. In 1961, Mr. LaMarch received the 
Good Conduct Medal, awarded to enlisted members of the military who 
complete three consecutive years of honorable and faithful service. Mr. 
LaMarch also received two Meritorious Mast Awards, first in 1961 and 
again in 1963.
  After being discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps, Mr. LaMarch 
continued to build a legacy of service. He is currently serving as 
commander of American Legion Post #82, and is a life member of AmVets 
#123 and of Marine Corps League #444. He can be heard calling bingo at 
the V.A. Hospital in Iron Mountain, a position he has held for eight 
years. He has also served as the finance officer of Post #82, a member 
of the Marine Corps League Funeral Honor Guard and the Delta County 
Veterans Council Funeral Honor Guard.
  Mr. LaMarch has also played a vigorous role in the community beyond 
his extensive activities as a dedicated veteran. He served six years on 
the City of Escanaba Board of Review and volunteers for the Salvation 
Army as a bell ringer, food bank, and basket worker. He is also a 
member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the Benevolent and 
Protective Order of Elks.
  William A. LaMarch is one of the driving forces behind the U.P. 
Whitetails Association and the highly successful Delta County Wildlife 
Unlimited.
  Over the years, Mr. LaMarch's accomplishments and devotion to his 
community have been recognized with numerous awards and recognitions. 
He has been named Legionnaire of the Year, twice named Elk of the Year, 
and received the Elks Grand Exalted Ruler's Commendation for 
Excellence. He received the Dan Patch Outstanding Volunteer Award and 
has been recognized by the Red Cross as a 22 gallon donor.
  William LaMarch is a man who understands profoundly the value of 
service and the responsibility we have to help others. He stands as an 
example of what it means to be a true American hero, both in battle and 
within our own communities. His character and his generosity are a 
shining example of the spirit and strength that have defined the Upper 
Peninsula throughout its history.
  Madam Speaker, William A. LaMarch embodies the words bravery, 
dignity, and service. He is an individual who has been recognized by 
his community and his fellow veterans as a leader and a model citizen. 
With that in mind Madam Speaker, I ask that you, and all of my 
colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, join me in saluting 
William A. LaMarch for his lifetime of service and in congratulating 
him on being awarded U.P. Veteran of the Year.

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