[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 139 (Friday, October 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1721-E1722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING JOSEPH STACHON'S HOMECOMING AS ILLINOIS VFW STATE COMMANDER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 26, 2012

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joseph J. Stachon as 
Johnson-Phelps Post 5220 welcomes him home following his installation 
as Illinois VFW State Commander. As a decorated veteran, a dedicated 
citizen, and a loyal patriot, Mr. Stachon continues to serve his 
community and his tireless dedication deserves our recognition. I am 
especially proud because he is the first VFW State Commander from the 
3rd Congressional District.
  As a young man, Mr. Stachon enlisted and served our nation honorably 
in Vietnam as a Green Beret in the United States Army. As a combat 
rifleman in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, he was deployed from October 
1968 until he was wounded in action, coming home in a full body cast in 
May 1969. On the battlefield his sacrifices earned him a Bronze Star, 
Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachute Badge, as well as a 
National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 
and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
  Mr. Stachon also served for 30 years in the Chicago Police 
Department. On patrol, Mr. Stachon would occasionally encounter 
dangerous and difficult situations. In these instances, he was 
pragmatic and effective, quickly neutralizing any danger for both 
civilians and officers. He was known for his calm temperament and his 
reliability, and his commitment to the force and his fellow policemen 
was well-known and unwavering.
  A Gold Legacy life member of the VFW Johnson-Phelps Post 5220 in Oak 
Lawn, Illinois, Mr. Stachon has served in all chairs including Post 
Commander ten times and All-State Commander four times. He has also 
served the Department of Illinois in many offices and is involved in 
several civic organizations.
  Described by his friends as dependable and honest, Mr. Stachon is 
also a devoted family man who has been married to his wife Barbara for 
43 years. Together they have raised two sons, Joseph Jr. and Jon, and a 
daughter, Julie. He enjoys spending his free time with his children and 
his four grandchildren: Anthony, Michael, Joseph, and Michelle, as well 
as his son-in-law, Tom, and daughter-in-law, Marie.
   I ask you to join me in honoring Mr. Joseph Stachon on his 
installation and homecoming as Illinois VFW State Commander.

[[Page E1722]]



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