[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 5, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S1664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING GARY M. ORLANDO, SR.

  Mr. TOOMEY. Madam President, today I wish to honor the life of Mr. 
Gary M. Orlando, Sr. Mr. Gary Orlando passed away on Sunday, October 
25, at the Erie VA Medical Center. A tireless and longtime advocate for 
veterans, Gary sat on the board of directors for the Paralyzed Veterans 
of America, PVA. He was also a member of the Disabled American 
Veterans, DAV.
  Gary was an Erie, PA, native, born on November 8, 1951. He served 
with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war as a door gunner on a 
helicopter. While serving in Vietnam, he survived being shot down and 
was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, two Good Conduct Medals, and 
the National Defense Service Medal.
  Following his service with the Army, Gary worked for the U.S. Postal 
Service in Erie. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, volunteering, 
and participating in the Wheelchair Games. He was also an avid fan of 
the Erie Otters Hockey Club. Gary was a relentless advocate for our 
veterans, a friendly face, and a supporter for countless veterans in 
the Erie area.
  Gary is survived by two sons, two grandchildren, one great-
granddaughter, one brother, one brother-in-law, and several nieces and 
nephews. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, an honor 
he richly deserved.
  On behalf of the U.S. Senate, I wish to express my thanks for Mr. 
Orlando's steadfast service to our Nation and his commitment to our 
veterans.

                          ____________________