[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 81 (Monday, May 23, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E760]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

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                               speech of

                           HON. LOIS FRANKEL

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 18, 2016

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4909) to 
     authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2017 for military 
     activities of the Department of Defense and for military 
     construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for 
     such fiscal year, and for other purposes:

  Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, this amendment includes my 
resolution to express appreciation of our disabled veterans and 
recognize October 5th as an appropriate date to honor them each year. 
This coincides with the anniversary of the American Veterans Disabled 
for Life Memorial. I thank Chairman Jeff Miller for his support.
  Thankfully, my son, a U.S. Marine, returned safely from two wars. 
Regrettably, there are many veterans for whom the fight doesn't end 
when they come home.
  My constituent Jeff Colaiacovo is one of those people. A few months 
into his first tour in Vietnam, Jeff's tank hit a mine, exploding 
shards of metal into his eyes, blinding him. Miraculously, the doctors 
recovered his vision. Months later, a grenade hit Jeff's tank and 
flames engulfed his body. After spending months in burn units, he was 
honorably discharged. He raised a family and started a small business.
  Jeff is disabled for life. He bears the scars of duty that remind us 
of what he and many others gave to serve us. In honor of Jeff and our 
four million disabled veterans, I urge adoption of this package.

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