[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 166 (Friday, November 18, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1520]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE HONOR FLIGHT OF OREGON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2016

  Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the seven World War II 
veterans and six Korean War veterans from Oregon who visited their 
memorial on the National Mall on Saturday, October 8, 2016 through 
Honor Flight of Oregon. Every time I have the chance to meet one of 
these heroes from the ``Greatest Generation,'' I am reminded of the 
poignant words of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. In a message to Allied 
troops just before D-Day, he said, ``The eyes of the world are upon 
you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march 
with you.''
  He was right then, of course, Mr. Speaker. But over 70 years later, 
liberty loving people everywhere continue to owe these heroes for their 
extraordinary service and their incredible stories of sacrifice and 
bravery on behalf of our country. That's why it is my privilege to 
enter their names into the Congressional Record today.
  The veterans on this Honor Flight from Oregon are as follows: Shirley 
Boehmer, Army; Arnold Ebert, Army; Gordon Nelson, Army; John Hull, 
Marine Corps; Clarence Kelm, Marine Corps; Albert Pule, Marine Corps; 
Bruce Pence, Marine Corps; James Estep, Navy; William Isely, Navy; 
Johnny Johnson, Navy; Wilma Norris, Navy; Marvin Stuber, Navy; and 
Helen Watson, Navy.
  These 13 heroes join the over 150,000 veterans who have been honored 
through the Honor Flight Network of volunteers nationwide since 2005.
  I would also like to recognize the three guardians traveling on this 
trip who have also served our country: Jeffrey Hull, Army; Rosemary 
Agee, Navy; and Terry Haines, Navy. Terry served Oregon's Second 
District for many years as our veterans outreach liaison, and has 
always been a strong advocate for the men and women who have worn the 
uniform.
  I also want to thank and recognize Janet Yakopatz and Rita ``Sam'' 
Boyd, the group leaders on this flight, as well as the dedicated Board 
Members of Honor Flight of Oregon, who worked so hard to make this trip 
happen.
  And, of course, none of this would be possible without Gail Yakopatz, 
the longtime President of Honor Flight of Southern Oregon. Gail is one 
of a kind. For many years, she has been a tireless advocate for 
Oregon's veterans, and I am proud to call her my friend.
  Mr. Speaker, at the height of the Civil War in 1863, President 
Abraham Lincoln wrote, ``Honor to the Soldier, and Sailor everywhere, 
who bravely bears his country's cause.'' Each of us in this Chamber and 
in this nation should be humbled by the courage of these brave veterans 
who put themselves in harm's way for our country and way of life. As a 
nation, we can never fully repay the debt of gratitude owed to them for 
their honor, commitment, and sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we 
have today.
  My colleagues, please join me in thanking these veterans and the 
volunteers of Honor Flight of Oregon for their exemplary dedication and 
service to this great country.

                          ____________________