[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 22 (Thursday, February 9, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE OF LONG ISLAND VETERAN THOMAS H. WATKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 9, 2012

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of 
Thomas H. Watkins, an American veteran from Long Island. He passed away 
on January 31, 2012. Now, the entire community is mourning this 
tremendous loss.
  Before becoming a fixture in the Long Island community, Thomas played 
a key role in World War II honorably serving the U.S. Army. In late 
1942, he was drafted and assigned to the 92nd Infantry Division part of 
the legendary Buffalo Soldiers. Of the 909,000 African Americans 
selected for duty in the Army during World War II, the men of the 92nd 
division were among the only African Americans to see combat in Europe, 
putting their lives on the line in battle against the German troops in 
Italy. Despite the harsh reality of racial segregation, Thomas and the 
Buffalo Soldiers fought valiantly to defend the country they loved. It 
was their courage and bravery that earned the respect of their fellow 
servicemen and country. For the next 4 years Thomas went on to serve in 
Italy and Germany before being honorably discharged.
  After serving on the battlefields, Thomas continued his commitment to 
his country at the Northport Veteran Affairs Medical Center. He went on 
to work on behalf of Long Island veterans for over 20 years before 
finishing his career with the Town of Huntington. Not only was Thomas a 
great resource for Long Island veterans, he was a deeply engaged civic 
leader and public servant in his community.
  A member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church in Huntington, Thomas worked 
tirelessly for the congregation he loved as Trustee Emeritus. Also, 
aware of the vital need for racial equality in America, Thomas held a 
lifetime membership to the NAACP. His devotion to his community, faith 
and family should be commended.
  There is no question that his fellow veterans, his family and Long 
Islanders will miss Thomas. In the wake of his passing, we should all 
remember the sacrifice our veterans make to keep us safe here at home. 
I am forever grateful for Thomas's contributions as a serviceman and 
leader on Long Island. I offer my sincerest thoughts and prayers to his 
family.

                          ____________________