[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 30 (Wednesday, March 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LIVES OF VETERANS KERRY DUDKEWIC, ARNOLD BOCKSEL, AND 
                              SEAMUS BYRNE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2011

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of three 
veterans who passed away this past weekend.
  Mr. Kerry Dudkewic of Smithtown, NY, was 62 years old and a Vietnam 
veteran and lost his battle with cancer on Friday, February 25, 2011. 
This past January he was finally given confirmation from the VA that 
his many ailments were indeed connected to his service and were caused 
by exposure to Agent Orange. Kerry knew he was very sick and wanted his 
wife to obtain survivor benefits upon his death. Kerry's commitment to 
serving others was exhibited throughout his life and I am so grateful I 
was able to help him in return before his passing.
  Mr. Arnold A. Bocksel of Syosset, NY, was a 97-year-old WWII veteran 
and passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2011, of natural causes. Arnold 
survived the Bataan Death March and three and a half years in a 
Japanese prison camp. Arnold was awarded several medals, including the 
Bronze Star and the Prisoner of War Medal. Arnold suffered from 
service-related injuries and in 2010 he was awarded a check from the VA 
to make his home handicapped-accessible. Arnold was truly a hero and I 
was so proud to help get him the support he earned and deserved.
  Finally, Mr. Seamus Byrne of Smithtown, NY, was tragically struck by 
a car and killed on Sunday, February 27, 2011, while walking home with 
his wife Michelle after celebrating his 33rd birthday with friends. 
Seamus served with the New York Army National Guard Fighting 69th 
Infantry Regiment and was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries sustained 
while serving in Afghanistan. I am so saddened by this, knowing Seamus 
was finally getting his life back in order after his injuries and 
knowing his family was finally getting their husband and dad back to 
normal. Seamus is survived by his 10-year-old son Seamus, his 3-year-
old daughter Ashley, and his wife, who is a nurse and tried to save him 
after he was struck.
  Again, I am honored to have had these great men in our community and 
am grateful for the service they provided to our nation.

                          ____________________