[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF MR. JOSEPH HAMMELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2012

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Joseph Hammell, a 
retiring veteran who has served in three separate branches of the U.S. 
Military.
  Mr. Hammell began his career with the United States Marine Corps in 
1969 when he was 17 years old. After training, he was stationed at Camp 
Pendleton, California before being deployed to Okinawa, Japan, the 
Philippines, and Vietnam. After his service with the Marine Corps ended 
in 1974, Mr. Hammell joined the U.S. Army. During his time in the Army, 
Mr. Hammell was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey where he worked as an 
instructor at the base's truck driving school. In 1977, he left the 
Army, but came back after 14 years to join the New Jersey Air National 
Guard. In the Air National Guard he was a member of the 170th Air 
Refueling Wing. Within the Wing he served as an equipment operator for 
the 170th Civil Engineering Squadron. After the 170th Air Refueling 
Wing disbanded, he was absorbed into the 108th Air Refueling Wing where 
he continued his service as an equipment operator. He served within the 
108th Air Refueling Wing as a member of the 108th Civil Engineering 
Squadron until 2007 as a work controller. He then moved to the 108th 
Safety Office where he finished out his career as the 108th Ground 
Safety Manager.
  In addition to his service, Mr. Hammell is an active member of the 
American Legion and the Marine Corps League where he is a tireless 
advocate for homeless veterans. Specifically, he has worked with and 
supported the Stand Down for Homeless Veterans for 16 years, a 
nonprofit organization that assists male veterans who are struggling 
due to mental and/or physical ailments, addictions, homelessness and/or 
other personal issues. It helps veterans regain their lives through a 
multi-tiered program, transitional living, and collaborative efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, the extraordinary commitment of this New Jersey veteran 
should not go unrecognized. I join all of South Jersey in expressing 
our profound gratitude and thanks for Mr. Hammell as he retires from 
his more than 42 years of remarkable service to our country.

                          ____________________