[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 137 (Thursday, September 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              COMMEMORATION OF THE SERVICE OF JUKE VAN OSS

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                           HON. BILL HUIZENGA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2011

  Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Juke Van 
Oss's 60 years of broadcasting on WHTC 1450 in Holland, Michigan. On 
Aug. 9, Juke celebrated 60 years of service to the station and his 
community.
  Juke's work in radio began during World War II in the Philippines and 
Korea. No doubt, his service transmitting codes and protecting radio 
equipment helped coordinate American troops against the great foes of 
National Socialism and Fascism. For any American, this service should 
be more than sufficient to earn the gratitude of others, but Juke 
further endeared himself to the people of West Michigan with his work 
during peacetime.
  After the war, Juke attained his amateur license and became a radio 
engineer for WHTC at the age of 27. Juke recognized that radio is a 
medium like no other. Nothing else commands such great respect for the 
spoken word, and Juke soon learned to inspire that respect in listeners 
throughout the community. One morning, the scheduled announcer failed 
to arrive on time so Juke took a seat at the microphone. An instant 
favorite of listeners, Van Oss began hosting his own morning show, and 
for the past 45 years he has hosted ``Talk of the Town.'' Juke became a 
local celebrity in the Holland area as thousands of families invited 
him into their homes, and men and women enjoyed his company during 
their daily commutes. Juke used radio to knit together and tighten a 
community. He helped make national issues local, and local people 
neighborly.
  Mr. Van Oss is not only a radio personality, but a community servant. 
He served as a member of the Saugatuck Schools Board of Education and 
Village Council, including three years as Mayor, as well as President 
of the Chamber of Commerce and a seat on the Region 8 Criminal Justice 
Planning Council. I fervently wish for every community in our Nation 
their own Juke. Mr. Speaker, please let it be known that on this Sept. 
16, 2011, that the U.S. House of Representatives acknowledges the 
achievements of Mr. Van Oss and wishes him the best in his future years 
in broadcasting.

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