[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 93 (Thursday, June 11, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H4171]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING EDWARD JOSEPH OLENDER

  (Mr. GIBSON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GIBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Army Sergeant Major Ed 
Olender, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 91.
  For those who knew Ed, he was a humble and dedicated family man, 
neighbor, and friend. He was well-known around Tillson, New York, in 
having given his work in the post office, in his extensive volunteer 
service, in his service as a firefighter, and as a life member of the 
American Legion and the VFW. However, without knowing him well, you 
would never guess the rest of his life story.
  Born in Dickinson, New York, in 1923, Ed joined the Army at the age 
of 17. He served in combat in the Pacific in World War II, including 
earning a Bronze Star for his actions in defending Hawaii during the 
attack on Pearl Harbor and earning a Purple Heart in Luzon. He also 
served in combat in both Korea and Vietnam, earning a second Purple 
Heart and various other awards and commendations. He retired in 1974 as 
a command sergeant major. He earned the Silver Star and also earned the 
Combat Infantryman Badge three times.
  Ed was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, June, and they had three 
children, two grandchildren, and three stepgrandchildren.
  I rise today to commemorate this great American hero--a humble but 
incredible example for all of us. May God bless Sergeant Major Olender 
and his entire family.

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