[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 97 (Friday, July 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1223-E1224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF EUGENE J. VAILLANCOURT FOR HIS 24 YEARS OF DEDICATED 
  SERVICE TO THE CITY OF BOSTON AND THE VETERANS' SERVICES DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 1, 2011

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Eugene J. 
Vaillancourt in recognition of his 24 years of dedicated service to the 
City of Boston and the Veterans' Services Department. Throughout his 
nearly quarter century of service to the City, Gene worked passionately 
and tirelessly advocating on behalf of veterans.
  Gene Vaillancourt was born on October 5, 1942, and raised in South 
Boston. On February 3, 1963, Gene married the late Rita Calla. They had 
2 children, Gene and Billy. Gene has 3 grandchildren, Jennifer, Jordan 
and Erin.
  After graduating from South Boston High School in 1960, he entered 
the United States Marine Corps (USMC). During his career he served in 
all 4 Marine divisions at Hawaii, Alaska, Japan and several stateside 
bases. A disabled combat veteran, Gene served 2 tours in Vietnam in 
both the 1st and 3rd Marine divisions from 1966-1967 and 1970-1971; for 
his brave and admirable contributions, Gene was decorated with a Purple 
Heart. A highly decorated veteran, he was also awarded the Meritorious 
Service Medal for Outstanding Service, the Combat Action Ribbon, and 
the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He retired from USMC as a 
Sgt. Major in 1987 with 27 years of service.
  In August of 1987, Gene was hired by the city of Boston Veterans' 
Services Department and was appointed the assistant commissioner in 
1992. During his 24 years with the department Gene played a very active 
role with various veteran related issues and projects including 
assisting in the installation of many veteran memorials throughout the 
City of Boston.
  During his time at the Veterans' Services Department, Gene lobbied 
for well earned benefits for veterans including real estate abatements, 
increased annuities for 100 percent disabled veterans, and annuities 
for both Gold Star Mothers and Gold Star Wives. On July 1, 2003, Gene 
proudly accepted his appointment as the Commissioner of the City of 
Boston Veterans' Services Department, and continues to advocate on 
behalf of his fellow veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to join with Gene's family, 
friends, fellow veterans, and the city of Boston to thank him for his 
incredible service to his country and his dedication and commitment to 
veterans. I hope my colleagues will join me in celebrating Gene's 
distinguished career and in wishing him good health and success in all 
of his future endeavors.

[[Page E1224]]



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