[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 183 (Thursday, December 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JOHN WILKINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 1, 2011

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Veterans of Foreign 
Wars Chowchilla Post 9896 Life Member John Wilkinson, who retired from 
the United States Marine Corps as a Master Sergeant in 1974.
  John A. Wilkinson was born in Taft, California in November 1935. 
During his high school years, John worked during the summer months and 
after school in the oil fields handling drill toll stabilizers and as a 
truck driver. In 1953, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. 
During his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, he served on seven 
aircraft carriers, twelve different shore installations, and duty with 
all branches of service, as well as Civil Service Personnel. He 
traveled to twenty foreign countries and saw duty with seven military 
forces. Throughout his duration of service, John succeeded in many 
roles. In 1957, he was selected for aviation schooling and completed 
Aircraft Fundamentals and Jet Engine Mechanics courses and was station 
at Los Alamitos Naval Air Station where he served as a crew chief 
performing scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance on all aircraft 
systems. In 1965, John assumed a two year post as a Drill Instructor at 
Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. He was deployed with his unit 
to Vietnam in 1970 where he served with H&MS-11, which supported Marine 
aircraft missions fighting the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces. 
Master Sergeant Wilkinson received numerous decorations and awards for 
his service, including the National Defense Medal, seven awards of the 
Good Conduct Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal with star, and the 
Meritorious Unit Commendation.
  Upon his retirement from the military, John earned an Associate of 
Arts Degree from West Hills College and a Bachelor of Art Degree in 
Social Science and a teaching credential from California State 
University, Fresno. For thirteen years, John continued his legacy of 
public service as a civics, economics, and history teacher at 
Chowchilla Union High School. John and his late wife, Veronica, raised 
three children. He is now a grandfather of nine and a great-grandfather 
of ten. He makes his home in Los Lunas, New Mexico.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Mr. John A. Wilkinson for his 
honorable service to our great country, and wishing him the best of 
luck and health in his future endeavors.

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