[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 62 (Friday, April 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    A TRIBUTE TO THE SERVICE OF SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT BILL DIETZEL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 27, 2012

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, Mr. Denham, 
to pay tribute to Senior Master Sergeant Bill Dietzel and his service 
to the United States and our veterans. His selfless and honorable work 
for our nation and its men and women in uniform make him a source of 
pride for our community and our country.
  Bill entered the service on September 23, 1952. During his time in 
the United States Air Force, he was a flight engineer for B 29s and 
other four engine aircrafts. In 1957, he worked as a crew chief/flight 
engineer at the 420th Air Refueling Squadron. In September 1957, he 
deployed to the Sculthorpe RAF station in England, and the SAC 
Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska in 1961. He served our nation proudly 
in the Air Force until his retirement on September 30, 1972. His 
loyalty and devotion to our country is remarkable and highly 
commendable.
  A tireless advocate for all veterans, Bill has accomplished much 
throughout his distinguished military and civilian career. He is the 
publisher and managing editor of the U.S. Veterans Magazine, through 
which he seeks to honor all who have served. Additionally, he has been 
the director of the annual Fresno Veterans Day Parade for the past 11 
years. The Fresno Veterans Day Parade is one of the largest in the 
country and is broadcast to about 2.6 million members of the U.S. Armed 
Forces--Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve--through the Pentagon 
Channel. The channel also reaches more than 18 million households 
through satellite and cable systems nationwide. Further demonstrating 
his commitment to our nation's veterans, Bill founded the ``Wall of 
Honor'' at the Veterans Affairs Central California Health Care System 
in Fresno, California.
  A veteran, friend, mentor, and great American, Bill's longstanding 
dedication to service is truly a reflection of his superior moral 
character. He has consistently worked side by side with elected 
officials and Valley leaders to ensure that the needs of our veterans 
and their families are met. There has never been a challenge too 
daunting for Bill; he has always maintained a positive and confident 
attitude. His contributions to Central California and our nation are 
truly extraordinary.
  In addition to his significant work, Bill is a loving husband and 
father. He and his wife Marilyn have been married for 59 years. 
Together they have 5 children: Linda Leigh, Jeanette, Susan, Barbara 
Ann, Cynthia Marie, and William Keith.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join Mr. Denham and me in 
recognizing Senior Master Sergeant Bill Dietzel for his unwavering 
allegiance to our veterans and his reverence for our country. He truly 
exemplifies the best of what America has to offer.

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