[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 131 (Wednesday, September 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1550-E1551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING TINO ADAME

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERRY McNERNEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 7, 2011

  Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing the distinguished service of Tino Adame--Marine, 
Vietnam veteran, and 15-year Commander of the American Legion Karl Ross 
Post 16 in Stockton, California. I am proud to know Tino and have seen 
firsthand how hard he works on behalf of the men and women who served 
our country. He is a passionate

[[Page E1551]]

advocate, a mentor for his fellow veterans, and a leader in our 
community.
  Tino Adame was born in French Camp, California, and graduated from 
Franklin High School in 1965. After two years of study at San Joaquin 
Delta College, he joined the U.S. Marines at the age of 19 and has 
proudly worn the honorable title of Marine ever since that day. Tino 
was stationed with the ``2/9 Hell in a Helmet'' unit in Vietnam, and as 
a result of his service, earned a Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service 
Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, 
the Rifle Marksman Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal.
  Tino completed his service in Vietnam in 1967 and came home to work 
at the Tracy Defense Depot. He married Mary Hope Lopez in 1970 and 
continued to work at the Depot until he retired after 33 years.
  Tino Adame has dedicated himself to serving his fellow veterans. In 
1998, Tino became the first Latino Commander of the American Legion 
Karl Ross Post 16. One of his first initiatives was a successful 
petition of the Stockton City Council to sponsor an Independence Day 
parade honoring veterans--the first such parade to take place in 10 
years. Tino then went on to chair both the Independence Day and 
Veterans Day parades.
  Tino has also taken part in many community initiatives involving our 
community's young people. He has taught students correct flag 
etiquette, including the proper way to retire old flags and dedicate 
new ones. He has recognized JROTC cadets at his alma mater, Franklin 
High School, with plaques of achievement. He has also worked with young 
students to write Valentine's Day cards to veterans at the VA facility 
in Livermore.
  Following the attacks on 9/11, Tino requested and obtained a piece of 
limestone from the part of the Pentagon that was damaged during the 
attack. That limestone is now enclosed in front of the Karl Ross Post 
and serves as an important reminder to our community about the 9/11 
attacks and the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform.
  Tino also played an important role in convincing the Department of 
Veterans Affairs to select San Joaquin County as the home for a new 
veterans' medical facility and nursing home. Thanks to his hard work 
and the efforts of many in the community, the Valley's veterans will be 
able to get medical care close to home.
  Tino Adame's steadfast commitment to his country, community and 
fellow veterans is an example to us all. I know his work to improve the 
lives of our heroes will make a lasting impact for years to come. It is 
for these reasons that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Tino 
Adame for his exceptional service to our country and our veterans.

                          ____________________