[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1791-E1792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MICHAEL JONES FOR HIS WORK TO COMPLETE THE YUMA ARMED FORCES 
                                  PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael Jones of 
Yuma, Arizona.
   Mr. Jones served his country in Vietnam, receiving two Purple Hearts 
as well as many other citations for his service. He is the Past 
Commander of the Yuma Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart 
(MOPH). He was past National Vice President of the 173d Airborne 
Brigade as well as a committee member of the 173d Airborne Memorial 
Foundation serving in an advisory capacity for the construction of 
their memorial currently under construction in Ft. Benning, Georgia. He 
was also nominated for National Patriot of the Year for the MOPH.
   In 2005, Mr. Jones responded to a plea for help from the Arizona 
Department of Veterans Services, the Military Affairs Committee and the 
Yuma County Chamber of Commerce in an effort to complete the Yuma Armed 
Forces Park. The construction of the park had been stopped for some 
time after completion of Phase I due to lack of funds, all of which 
were donated by the community through various fundraising events.
   Mr. Jones had a lifetime of experience in all phases of 
construction. After learning of their dilemma and meeting with the 
different entities, it was determined that not only was there a lack of 
funds to complete the park, but the park could not be completed as 
planned. Mr. Jones took it upon himself to lead the community through 
this crisis by scheduling various fundraisers, stimulating plaque sales 
and donations and becoming the supervisor for the construction of the 
remainder of the park. This included supervision of volunteer workers, 
all of which were active duty or disabled veterans who were members of 
the Military Order of the Purple Heart Yuma Chapter 433.
   Phase II of the park consisted of the construction of the 
amphitheater, and was the most difficult portion of the project. This 
phase involved a daily presence by Mr. Jones and members of the MOPH as 
well as the Ladies Auxiliary. These men and women, most of whom were 
50-60 years of age, worked six and sometimes seven days a week to meet 
any deadline presented to them.
   The project continued over 3\1/2\ years as funds became available 
through the various fundraisers, donations and plaque sales. Mr. Jones 
was a key player in these activities. Not only did Mr. Jones donate his 
time, he also donated thousands of dollars worth of tools and equipment 
to complete the park. He worked non-stop, making the park the most 
important task in his life, knowing that his fellow veterans needed to 
be recognized. During this time he put the completion of the park ahead 
of family health issues that in most cases would have been a priority.
   Madam Speaker, Michael Jones was a leader when serving in Vietnam, 
and he continues to be in his civilian life. I want to thank him for 
his service to this country and to his community.

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