[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 69 (Thursday, May 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF DAVID J. WENZEL, RECIPIENT OF THE 2014 AMOS LODGE 
                           AMERICANISM AWARD

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2014

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of David J. 
Wenzel, recipient of the 2014 Amos Lodge Americanism Award. This honor 
recognizes a lifetime of outstanding community service best 
exemplifying the American spirit. A native of Scranton, he proudly 
served as Scranton's 27th mayor from 1986 to 1990, and has supported 
many public, civic, and charitable causes both before and after his 
distinguished term.
  A trained Army officer, David Wenzel served in Vietnam as a First 
Lieutenant, commanding the mortar platoon of A Company of the American 
Division. While leading his men in occupying an area near the battalion 
fire base, he stepped on a land mine and was almost killed. The 
explosion took both his legs and caused other serious injuries, but 
Wenzel survived. Upon his return home, he underwent four major 
operations and an intense rehabilitation, but walked out of the Valley 
Forge Army Hospital on two prosthetic legs. He received a Bronze Star, 
the Purple Heart, the South Vietnam Medal, and the Combat Infantryman's 
Badge in recognition of his outstanding service and sacrifice for his 
country.
  As Mayor of Scranton, Wenzel oversaw an active administration that 
accomplished a great deal during a period of renaissance and progress 
for the city. During his term, Scranton began to implement plans for 
the Mall at Steamtown and established flood control projects to aid in 
the recovery from Hurricane Gloria. He emphasized full cooperation with 
the city's growing neighborhood associations and made the city a leader 
in access for the disabled. Under his leadership, Scranton earned the 
moniker ``Tree City'' for the city's commitment to plant thousands of 
trees in an urban environment. Throughout his term, David embodied 
honesty, integrity, and cooperation in working with the city council to 
serve the people of Scranton.
  After his term as Mayor, David Wenzel continued serving his community 
at the Schemel Forum at the University of Scranton, where he still 
teaches today, and as an advisor to many veterans associations. He has 
served on the Boards of the United Way, Allied Services, Mayor's Prayer 
Service, Scranton/Pocono Girl Scout Council, Deutsch Institute, 
American Legion, and the University of Scranton's Board of Regents. 
Wenzel was also named the Disabled Veteran of the Year in Pennsylvania 
and the National Disabled Veteran of the Year.
  I am proud to congratulate David Wenzel on this award recognizing his 
voluminous service to his country and the city of Scranton. His record 
of serving others embodies the ideals of our country, and he is a role 
model for all Americans to emulate.

                          ____________________