[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 77 (Monday, May 16, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER, MIKE LAMBARIA

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                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 16, 2016

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of 
Veterans Service Officer, Mike Lambaria of Atascosa County, Texas. He 
has proudly served the people of Atascosa County for nearly 10 years.
  Mike Lambaria was born on October 4th, 1944 to Mike Lambaria Sr. and 
Ruth Lambaria. After graduating from Pleasanton High School, he 
attended the University of Kansas and graduated with a degree in 
Business Administration and a minor in History. After college, Mr. 
Lambaria joined the U.S. Army and courageously served his country in 
Vietnam. He received multiple awards for his service, including: Army 
Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service 
Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service 
Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, 
and Expert Infantryman Badge.
  Following his retirement from the Military in 1985, Mike worked as a 
military liaison with McDonnell Douglas until 1988. In 1989, he worked 
in Saudi Arabia as an advisor for logistics and combat. He returned 
home in 1992, becoming a teacher and coach at Poteet High School until 
2006. After his tenure with Poteet High School, Mike began his career 
as a Veterans Service Officer for the Atascosa County Veterans Services 
Office. Mike was known to go above and beyond in his duties. He would 
drive veterans to their appointments, then come back, see veterans in 
the office, and help them submit claims. He also assisted homeless 
veterans in finding places to stay and worked with local churches and 
organizations to get homeless veterans food and clothing. Mike has even 
provided monetary assistance to homeless veterans with funds out of his 
own pocket.
  Beyond his dedication to his work, Mike is an active member of the 
community, serving on the Atascosa County Historical Commission, 
Atascosa County Crime Stoppers Board, Atascosa County Healthcare Center 
Board, and the Chairman for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. In 
addition to his exemplary career as a public servant, Mike Lambaria is 
a committed husband to Anita Lambaria. Together they have three sons: 
Scott Michael, Craig Anthony and John, as well as eight grandchildren. 
According to Mr. Lambaria, he could not have accomplished the past 25 
years of success without the support and love of his wife.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Mike 
Lambaria, a decorated war hero, a devoted Veterans Service Officer to 
Atascosa County, and a loving family man.

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