[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 95 (Thursday, June 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF THE CONEJO VALLEY CHAPTER OF MILITARY ORDER OF THE WORLD 
 WARS, THE SGT. MICHAEL A. DiRAIMONDO CHAPTER OF MILITARY ORDER OF THE 
             PURPLE HEART, AND THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE BALL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 21, 2012

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the Conejo Valley 
Chapter of Military Order of the World Wars, the Sgt. Michael A. 
DiRaimondo Chapter of Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Red, 
White and Blue Ball.
  For 27 years, the Military Order of the World Wars has presented its 
Red, White and Blue Ball to perpetuate the spirit of patriotism. This 
year, the Conejo Valley Chapter is joined by the Sgt. Michael A. 
DiRaimondo Chapter of Military Order of the Purple Heart. Army Sgt. 
DiRaimondo was Ventura County's first casualty in Operation Iraqi 
Freedom. He was 22 years old.
  I did not know Michael, but I have become close friends with his 
exceptional family.
  Each year, the Ball honors an individual who has demonstrated 
exceptional patriotism and who has made significant contributions to 
the community.
  The U.S. Navy will be honored at this Saturday's event. This is the 
50th anniversary of the founding of the Navy SEALs and Captain Jason 
Ehret, USN SEAL, will be the honorary chair. The 2012 Patriotic Citizen 
of the Year is Colonel John Fer, who served in the U.S. Air Force for 
28 years.
  It is fitting that the Ball will be held at the Ronald Reagan 
Presidential Library. It will start with an open reception followed by 
a formal opening ceremony. Dinner, dancing to music of the Harry Selvin 
Band, and silent and live auctions will round out the evening.
  It is a festive affair, with military personnel--active, reserve and 
retired--wearing dress uniforms. Civilian men wear dark suits or 
tuxedos and civilian women wear formal or cocktail dresses.
  Auction proceeds will support activities such as Ventura County and 
Thousand Oaks Veterans Day ceremonies, Conejo Valley Memorial Day 
ceremony, Thousand Oaks Youth Leadership Conference, Junior ROTC 
awards, and Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops.
  Mr. Speaker, I attended the first Red, White and Blue Ball 27 years 
ago and am proud to have been presented the Gold Patrick Henry Award at 
the 1989 Ball.
  I am leaving Congress at the end of this session, which will change 
my relationship with the Military Order of the World Wars and the Sgt. 
Michael A. DiRaimondo Chapter. I am confident, however, that the 
relationship will remain strong and grow in the coming years.
  I am equally confident that my colleagues join me now in honoring the 
Conejo Valley Chapter of Military Order of the World Wars, the Sgt. 
Michael A. DiRaimondo Chapter of Military Order of the Purple Heart, 
Captain Jason Ehret, the U.S. Navy SEALs, and the Ball's 2012 Patriotic 
Citizen of the Year, Colonel John Fer. Thank you all for your service.

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