[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 131 (Wednesday, September 16, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              90TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN LEGION POST 80

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 2009

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to rise today 
to honor one of America's finest organizations, the American Legion, 
and to recognize one if its local posts, Whiting American Legion Post 
80, on its 90th anniversary. Post 80 came to be shortly after the 
founding of the national organization. In honor of this momentous 
occasion, the members of Post 80 will be celebrating with dinner and 
entertainment on Sunday, September 19, 2009, at the legion hall in 
Whiting, where they will host Robert Newman, Department of Indiana 
American Legion Commander, as their featured speaker.
   Just yesterday, the United States House of Representatives joined 
the Senate in passing legislation supporting the goals and ideals of 
American Legion Day. For the past ninety years, Whiting Post 80 has 
been an extraordinary example of the ideals and mission of the American 
Legion. Overall, the American Legion boasts nearly 15,000 posts, and 
remarkably, consists of nearly three million members. In their 
communities, American Legion posts are a source of pride for their many 
contributions made to aid veterans and to better their communities.
   Throughout the years, Whiting Post 80 has taken heed of the American 
Legion's mission. They have been well known in the Whiting-Robertsdale 
area for their many activities aimed at honoring veterans, which have 
included an honor guard and drum and bugle corps, but also for their 
many programs that serve the youth and families in their community.
   From within the ranks of its membership, Whiting Post 80 has seen 
some of its members rise to great ranks within the American Legion 
organization. They have had two members, Donald Hynes and Richard 
Quattrin, serve as Department of Indiana Commanders. Quite 
impressively, Mr. Quattrin also served at the national level as the 
National Executive Committeeman for the Department of Indiana. Four of 
Post 80's members have also been honored with the American Legion's 
highest award, The Distinguished Service Award. These individuals are: 
Donald Hynes, who served as post adjutant for five years, Leo Mulva, 
who served as post adjutant for a remarkable forty-eight years, Richard 
Quattrin, who also served an impressive thirty years as post adjutant, 
and Bert Tiemersma.
   Additionally, of the nearly one hundred World War II veterans who 
are members of Post 80, sixteen of them have over sixty years of 
service to the organization, including their longtime service officer, 
Nick Oprisko, who still serves in that capacity and is in his 66th year 
with the post.
   Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in recognizing American Legion Post 80 and its members on its 
90th anniversary. I also ask that you join me in honoring its 
membership for their service to their community, its veterans, and 
their commitment to the ideals of the American Legion. Their efforts 
have played a major role in elevating the quality life in their 
community.

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