[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 160 (Tuesday, November 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1639]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            THANK YOU, JACK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. KERRY L. BENTIVOLIO

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2013

  Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a fellow, 
now deceased Veteran from the 11th District of Michigan, John Edward 
Emmett.
  John Emmett served four years as a United States Marine, Special 
Weapons Company, 29th Marine Regiment 6th Marine Division from 1942-
1945. He enlisted a few months after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
  Legend has it he only joined the Marine Corps to impress his 
girlfriend, and later, wife of over 60 years, who was far more 
impressed by the Marine uniform than the army's--as she insisted he 
wear his dress blues on their wedding day.
  ``Jack'' as he was known by his friends and family, was a gunnery 
sergeant and marksman. He saw action in Okinawa and was responsible for 
30 men who specialized in the operation of four 37mm anti-tank guns.
  He was called ``the old man'' because he was the oldest in his 
platoon--24 and said he never thought he would make it home. A part of 
him, even late into his 80's always felt a sense of guilt for surviving 
when so many of his fellow soldiers did not.
  After the War, Jack and his wife built their own home in upstate New 
York. After the birth of their four children they moved to the 11th 
district where they lived for over 50 years. Although Jack never talked 
much about the war, it was obvious how much that time in his life 
affected him. Jack passed away in 2003 at the age of 86. He left behind 
a wife, four children, 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
  His love of country transcended generations. His son Craig served in 
Vietnam and currently, his grandson Justin, is in the United States Air 
Force. His wife Betty, now 95, and daughter, a teacher in Farmington, 
Michigan, still reside in the 11th district.
  Jack was the type of man everyone loved and respected. Always the 
practical jokester, Jack left a smile on the faces of all he 
encountered and never missed an opportunity to express his love to 
friends and family.
  A man of courage, honor, loyalty, and kindness, Jack exemplified what 
it means to be a United States Marine.
  On this Veterans Day, the people of the 11th District of Michigan 
salute John ``Jack'' Edward Emmett for his sacrifice, dedication, and 
love of country.
  Thank you, Jack.

                          ____________________