[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 151 (Monday, October 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1576]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             VETERAN HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE JOSEPH K. VRABEL

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                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 28, 2013

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Joseph Vrabel. Joe served in the United States Army during the Korean 
War. Upon his return, he served his fellow veterans by joining the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1956, and soon thereafter, becoming Post 
Commander. His service continued as a Life Member of the American 
Legion Mahoning Valley Post 15, where he served five years as Post 
Commander, going on to serve as Mahoning County Commander of the 
Dynamic Ninth District; and then proceeding on to serve as the American 
Legion Department of Ohio Commander. Joe was an enthusiastic supporter 
of the American Legion's Buckeye Boys State, promoting the program 
whenever he could and securing local sponsorships which would allow the 
youth of this area to gain first-hand experience in state government. 
Joe was a significant supporter of the Gifts for the Yanks program 
which provided gifts for hospitalized veterans during the Christmas 
season. Joe was instrumental in obtaining a van to transport veterans 
from Youngstown to the Cleveland American Legion, where he served as 
Post 15 Sons of the American Legion Advisor for 15 years. In addition, 
he spent countless hours as a member of Mahoning Valley Post 15's Honor 
Guard and Color Guard, providing final military honors to his fellow 
veterans. Joe was locally known as the ``Veteran's Veteran'', for his 
dedicated work with veterans. As the owner of Hillcrest Tavern, Joe was 
able to support local youth sports teams, mainly golf, bowling, and 
softball in his hometown of Poland, Ohio. For his significant 
contributions to the veterans and youth of the Mahoning Valley, Joe is 
very worthy to be inducted, posthumously, into the 2013 Ohio Veterans 
Hall of Fame.

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