[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 143 (Thursday, November 20, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING JACK ROTZIEN ON HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY

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                            HON. LUKE MESSER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2014

  Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my grandfather, Jack 
Rotzien, on his 90th birthday.
  Born and raised in Holmesville, Indiana, my grandfather has spent the 
past 90 years of his life exemplifying what it means to be a Hoosier. 
At 20 years old he joined the U.S. Army and fought in World War II. 
During the war, he was stationed at Wendling Air Force base in England 
where he served as the gunnery teacher for the troops. After graduation 
from Indiana University, my grandfather worked in the retail industry 
with both L. S. Ayres and Maison Blanche in Indiana. He worked hard for 
decades to provide for his family. Now that he is retired, he spends 
time at his VFW post and has found passion in speaking with students 
about his time in the military.
  While he has made many professional contributions to our state and 
our country, he has also had a significant impact on me and my family. 
I will never forget the summer vacations my brother, mother and I used 
to take with my grandfather. One year, we all visited Lake Okeechobee 
in Florida because he knew how much we loved to go fishing. We spent 
the week sitting by the lake and must have caught nearly a hundred fish 
(or at least that's how I remember it). This is just one memory I 
cherish. I also remember the time my brother was almost eaten by an 
alligator--but, that's another story.
  This year my grandfather's birthday will fall on Thanksgiving Day, 
which gives me an even greater opportunity to give thanks for the role 
he has played in my life. My grandfather is a man of compassion, 
strength, and faith and I am privileged to have had his love and 
guidance over the last 45 years. I hope that he knows how much he has 
meant to me and I look forward to the many memories we will continue to 
make with one another. Today, I wish him a happy 90th birthday as he 
celebrates this milestone in his life.

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