[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 18, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E868-E869]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO MR. WALDESTRUDIS ``WALTER'' TORRES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 2010

  Mr. SERRANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer tribute to Mr. 
Waldestrudis ``Walter'' Torres, a Puerto Rican Vietnam War hero from my 
district who recently passed away at the age of 62. Walter was a brave 
and committed man. He honored himself and his country on the 
battlefields of Vietnam before returning home to lead a quiet life of 
civil service. He spent nearly four decades in service to others, as 
both soldier and civilian.
  Walter was born in Coamo, Puerto Rico, on April 10, 1947. In 1967, at 
the age of 20, Walter joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was soon sent to 
Vietnam. Like so many of the more than 48,000 Puerto Ricans who served 
during Vietnam, Walter distinguished himself in combat. For courage and 
bravery, Walter received the Battle Star Medal, the National Defense 
Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Services Medal with 
Three Stars.
  After leaving the service, Walter was gainfully employed and 
hardworking his entire life.

[[Page E869]]

He held positions with the U.S. Federal Government Printing Office as a 
pressman, the U.S. Post Office as a letter carrier, and later joined 
the private sector in the board sales business. In 2003, Walter joined 
the American Association of Retired Persons' Senior Community Services 
Employment Program, AARP/SCSEP, as a job developer. Walter flourished 
in this environment, directly impacting the lives of over 1,000 seniors 
who participate in the program for employment placement services. In 
2010, Walter was promoted to be assistant director of the program. In 6 
years, he missed only one day of work.
  Madam Speaker, Waldestrudis Torres was an outstanding individual and 
an extraordinary example of American strength and character. 
Hardworking and large-hearted, he placed service to community and 
country above all else and should be remembered for his deep sense of 
commitment to others. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the 
life of Waldestrudis ``Walter'' Torres.

                          ____________________