[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E503-E504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MAJOR ROBERT CAMINA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 16, 2011

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Major 
Robert Camina for his dedication and contributions to the United States 
Army and the Army Texas National Guard.
  Major Camina started his military career on November 10, 1939 in San 
Antonio, Texas. He joined with the Mechanized Group Troop of the 124th 
Cavalry of the 56th Cavalry Brigade. Major Camina originally joined to 
ride horses, but when WWII broke he was given overseas orders and his 
unit became the last Cavalry Regiment to be dismounted. During his tour 
in the China-Burma-India Theatre, Major Camina served as a M.G. Squad 
Leader and fought alongside 1st Lieutenant Jack L. Knight, who received 
the Congressional Medal of Honor. For his service in the tour, Major 
Camina received the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.
  After the war, Major Camina was discharged from military service, but 
rejoined in the Army Texas National Guard for 1 year. After Major 
Camina's military term, the U.S. Department of Agriculture hired him 
for the next 5 years to aid in their campaign to eradicate Hoof and 
Mouth Disease from Mexico. Later, Major Camina returned to Brownsville, 
Texas and joined the A/112th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He served in the 
112th until the 49th Armored Division was activated into Federal 
Service by President Kennedy due to the Berlin Crisis. In 1966, Major 
Camina served as a Mess Steward for the next 15 years. In 1981, Major 
Camina retired from the Army Texas National Guard and was commissioned 
as a Captain in the Texas State Guard. He served as Company Commander, 
S-3 and S-4 in the 304th Military Police Battalion in Brownsville, 
Texas. He retired on October 29, 1989--almost 50 years to the date of 
his enlistment of the Texas National Guard.
  During his time in military service, Major Camina was a highly 
decorated soldier. The Major received the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry 
Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Texas Outstanding Medal, Meritorious 
Service Medal, Texas Faithful Service Medal and the Texas State Guard 
Service Medal. He also received many awards as a Mess Steward and 
helped his company win the Eisenhower Trophy twice.
  Military service runs in his family, as four of his brothers also 
served in military branches. Armando Camina served in the United States 
Army, was considered for up to six Congressional Medals of Honor, and 
received a silver medal. Tino Camina served in the United States Navy 
and Ernest Camino served in the Air Force. Major Camina and his 
brothers fought for the United States and served to protect this great 
nation.

[[Page E504]]

  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the time to recognize the 
dedication, accomplishments, and commitment of the late Major Robert 
Camina.

                          ____________________