[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 171 (Thursday, November 19, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE JOHNSON-PHELPS VFW POST #5220 ON THEIR 80TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2015

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Johnson-Phelps 
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5220 of Oak Lawn, Illinois for 
celebrating 80 years of existing as a community organization. I 
appreciate all the hard work the Johnson-Phelps VFW has done to assist 
our nation's brave foreign war veterans.
   The VFW's mission is, ``To foster camaraderie among United States 
veterans of overseas conflicts; to serve our veterans, the military and 
our communities; [and] to advocate on behalf of all veterans.'' The 
Johnson-Phelps VFW Post has excelled at fulfilling this mission by 
honoring the sacrifices of our veterans and admirably serving our 
community. The Johnson-Phelps Post was formed in 1945 by a group of 
veterans returning from the Second World War. The Post was named for 
Mr. Raymond Johnson and Mr. Leslie Phelps, both killed in action during 
WWII. The newly formed Post chose Mr. Johnson's and Mr. Phelps' names 
from a hat that included the names of all 23 men from the Oak Lawn area 
that were killed in the war. The current Post building was completed in 
1951, built in large part by the Post's own members. The Johnson-Phelps 
Post later merged with six other posts in the Southwest Chicagoland 
area, the oldest of which was chartered in 1935.
   The Post's achievement and dedication to service is made possible 
today by Commander Richard Bukowski, Sr. Vice Commander Thomas Krone, 
and Jr. Vice Commander Bryant Reed. Their dedication to serving the 
community is shown through programs such as the well-known Voice of 
Democracy & Patriots Pen Scholarship Competitions. They also provide 
for the public by hosting and sponsoring important local events in our 
community.
   Throughout the United States, and in the Third District of Illinois, 
the VFW has worked tirelessly to improve our communities and support 
the needs of our war veterans. The VFW has repeatedly advocated for 
better medical care and benefits for veterans, and has been 
instrumental in the funding efforts for our nation's war memorials.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
Johnson-Phelps VFW Post #5220 of Oak Lawn, Illinois for this 
significant achievement. The members of the VFW have done a tremendous 
job serving and representing the third district of Illinois and I wish 
them all the best.

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