[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 96 (Tuesday, June 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E907]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING WORLD WAR II VETERAN MR. CHARLES ROBERT ``BOB'' PROVINE, JR. 
                  ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. JERRY McNERNEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 16, 2015

  Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles Robert 
``Bob'' Provine, Jr., upon the joyous occasion of his 90th birthday, 
which will be celebrated with his family, friends, and church family on 
June 25th in Antioch, California.
  Born on June 25, 1925 in Redwood City, CA, Bob is a decorated World 
War II veteran with a remarkable life of service, both to his community 
and to our country. He moved to Antioch, CA as a toddler, where he 
remains to this day. Shortly before graduating from Antioch High School 
in 1943, Bob enlisted in the Army Air Corps. After receiving his Army 
training, he was sent to Camp Shanks. It was here that he boarded the 
RMS Queen Elizabeth for transport to the Port of Southampton, England. 
Upon arrival, he immediately boarded an Army Landing Ship, Tank to 
cross the English Channel to the LeHarve Replacement Depot, France. He 
left LeHarve on one of the famous ``40's and 8's,'' the same French 
boxcars that a generation of American Soldiers had ridden in while in 
France during World War I. Upon arrival in Metz, France, he was 
assigned as a replacement to General George Patton's Third Army, and 
served in the 94th Infantry, 376th Infantry Regiment. During the war, 
Bob saw combat action in Germany and served in the occupation of 
Czechoslovakia and Germany. In recognition of his service to our nation 
Bob was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star.
  Bob returned home to Antioch and married Alice ``Corky'' Christ. They 
were married for more than 30 years before Corky passed away in 1984. 
Bob and Corky adopted two daughters, Cathy Kolb and Linda Ward, who 
blessed them with four grandchildren: John C. Kolb, Alicia A. Kolb, 
Brandon J. Merenda, and Breanna M. Meierdiercks; and three great 
grandchildren: John C. Kolb, Jr., Autumn Kolb, and Brandon M. Merenda. 
A fourth great grandson from Breanna and Brian Meierdiercks is expected 
in October.
  During his 90 years, Bob always worked to help others and to build 
his community. He watched Antioch grow from a small town of a few 
thousand residents to a city of more than 100,000. He has served his 
community well as a former volunteer firefighter, and for many years at 
the Antioch Historical Society where he enjoys telling stories about 
the ``old days'' in Antioch.
  Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, I ask you to join me in 
honoring Bob Provine for his service to his community and our great 
nation, and in wishing him a happy birthday and best wishes for 
continued health and happiness.

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