[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 15, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S2214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CONGRATULATING JOE VENTO

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I wish to congratulate 
Grammy Award-winning musician Joe Vento on receiving the Century Award, 
an accolade well deserved in recognition of his many sacrifices. Mr. 
Vento has served both this great Nation and the city of Las Vegas 
throughout his life and is a true inspiration for all Nevadans.
  Mr. Vento's passion for music began at an early age and had him 
playing the piano and accordion in New York by age 4. He later used his 
talents in a different setting, bringing the joy of music to those 
around him in time of war. Mr. Vento was in the U.S. Army Band near the 
end of World War II and served in World War II, the Korean war, and 
Vietnam. He received a battlefield commission of three stars from 
Marine Commandant Lew Walt during his time in Vietnam at a special 
concert for U.S. troops. Mr. Vento not only deserves recognition for 
his bravery in serving our country but also for his determination in 
providing entertainment for those courageously fighting for our freedom 
alongside him. His actions prove his selflessness and compassion for 
others.
  There is no way to adequately thank the men and women who lay down 
their lives for our freedoms. I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. 
Vento for his courageous contributions to the United States of America. 
His service to his country and his bravery and dedication earn him a 
place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended 
our Nation. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I 
recognize that Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these 
brave individuals who serve our Nation but also to ensure they are 
cared for when they return home. I remain committed to upholding this 
promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout 
the Nation.
  Mr. Vento's service to others did not end on the battlefield. He 
spent the next 70 years bringing incredible music to the city of Las 
Vegas. In the 1950s, he began performing with the Three Sons and 
remained with the group for 27 years. He made numerous appearances on 
prestigious shows, appeared in command performances at the White House 
and Imperial Palaces in Tokyo and Beijing, and conducted performances 
with Victor Borge, Nelson Eddy, and the Veteran Tonight Show Big Band. 
He also performed at the Paris hotel in Las Vegas. Most recently, Mr. 
Vento has lent his musical talent to the Royal Resort just off the 
strip. Mr. Vento's unwavering commitment to the Las Vegas community 
will never be forgotten. His music will be legend for years to come.
  Today, I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in 
congratulating Mr. Vento on his award and in recognizing his years of 
service to both the United States of America and the Las Vegas 
community. I wish him the best of luck in all of his musical years to 
come.

                          ____________________