[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 148 (Thursday, October 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF RETIRED MAJOR JESSE BALTAZAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 2015

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the accomplishments 
and service of retired Major Jesse Baltazar on this, his ninety-fifth 
birthday.
  Major Baltazar's service includes over forty years of dedication to 
the United States military through the Battle of Bataan in World War 
II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Still recovering from wounds 
suffered at the hands of a Japanese attack on his camp in 1942, Major 
Baltazar managed to escape ``the Bataan Death March'' after more than 
three days of marching. His bravery earned him the honor of a Bronze 
Star, a POW Medal, and a Purple Heart, which was awarded to him this 
past January.
  As the first Filipino native commissioned into the United States Air 
Force, Major Baltazar is a true trail-blazer and has helped pave the 
way for the many men and women who have since immigrated to the United 
States and joined our military.
  The United States has been blessed by the sacrifices of outstanding 
people such as Major Baltazar who have adopted this country as their 
own. I am proud to represent Major Baltazar and all of the selfless men 
and woman who serve our nation in uniform. They are truly invaluable 
members of our society. The debt of gratitude owed to these men and 
women is impossible to repay, but today, we do our small part by 
recognizing one special man: Major Jesse Baltazar.

                          ____________________