[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 135 (Friday, September 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF HONOR FLIGHT OREGON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 18, 2015

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to welcome the 
35 World War II veterans visiting Washington, DC this week from our 
home state of Oregon. Their trip was made possible by Honor Flight of 
Oregon and their presence in the Capitol today is a humbling one.
  We are joined by Navy, Army, Marine, Merchant Marine, Coast Guard and 
Army Air Force veterans who have faced terrors and dangers with bravery 
that continues to inspire. In this group are veterans who fought in Iwo 
Jima; those who fended off and survived the harrowing attack on the USS 
Franklin; documentarians who photographed the war; cryptographers who 
kept our secrets safe; and mechanics of all branches that kept us 
marching forward. These are just a few examples of the contributions 
these heroes made, but each deserves individual recognition:
  Kenneth Anderson; John Fellas; RD, Sr Fortner; James Riopelle; 
Stanley Wheeler; Donald Bean; Marvin Johnson; Leo Schammel; Earl 
Uptegrove; Clyde Harrop; Roland Halberg; Lawrence Torrey; Donald 
Fowler; Patrick O'Brien; Eldon Dyer; Raymond Stahly; Robert Bortvedt; 
Lawrence Kissinger; Everett Lee; Gerald Midbust; Harold Goff; Raynold 
Deluca Sr; Murray Watts; Lyle Wescott; George Prusynski; Donald Cresap; 
William Birkeland; Harold Englet; Kenneth Kerns, Juanita Price; Donald 
Ford; James Sperling; Robert Zimmerman; Rupert Fixott; and Joe Bruer.
  The world as we know it would not be the same were it not for their 
courage, their bravery, and I hope that this trip bestows upon them a 
tiny fraction of the respect and gratitude that can never be fully 
repaid. To our Greatest Generation, I wish them my very best on their 
visit and thank them for their service.
  These events are so important, connecting our veterans with the 
memorials erected to honor their service and with younger generations 
to ensure they know this important history. And a trip such as this 
would not be possible without the help of the volunteers who donate 
their time, resources and passion to Honor Flight Oregon. They ensure 
that each visit is met with the heroes welcome these veterans deserve.

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