[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 128 (Friday, July 28, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CELEBRATING TONY ZAPATA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 28, 2017

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Tony Zapata, 
who recently concluded his service as Commander of Veterans of Foreign 
Wars (VFW) Post 4696 in East Los Angeles. As a representative of East 
LA in Congress, I have had the honor of getting to know Tony over the 
years, especially in his capacity as the organizer of the annual 
Memorial Day and Veterans Day events at the Cinco Puntos intersection.
  Tony, a Vietnam veteran, comes from a family with deep military 
roots. His grandfather served in World War I, his father and two 
brothers served in WWII, two of his uncles served in Korea, and his son 
went to Kuwait. It should come as no surprise, then, that Tony has 
shown an unstinting dedication to those who serve and have served in 
our nation's armed forces.
  Tony was born in Del Rio, Texas, and graduated from high school in 
1963. In January 1965, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After boot camp in 
San Diego, California, in April 1965, he went aboard the U.S.S. Evans 
(DE-1023) in Bremerton, Washington, as a Machinist's Mate Fireman 
Apprentice. In August 1967, he was assigned to North Island Naval Air 
Station in Coronado, California, as an Airman Aviation Ordnance man. He 
was trained in Search and Rescue operations on NHU1 Helicopters, also 
known as Hueys.
  In November 1967, Tony was sent to Okinawa, where he joined a Search 
and Rescue Unit with the 3rd Marine Division Temporary Attached Duty 
(TAD). From Okinawa, he went to Cubi Point in the Philippine Islands. 
At Cubi Point, he qualified with an M-60 Machine Gun(mounted). In 
January 1968, he went on to Da Nang, South Vietnam. After one year in 
Vietnam, he returned to North Island Naval Air Station, where he was 
Honorably Discharged in February 1969. He was awarded the National 
Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service 
Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Expeditionary Medal, and 
Meritorious Service Ribbon.
  In May 1969, Tony went to work for Travelers Insurance Company as a 
Workman's Compensation Investigator. After Travelers, he worked as an 
inspector at U.S. Can in Commerce, California, until his retirement in 
2006.
  In 1992, Tony began to become involved with the VFW, and began full-
time VFW involvement following his retirement. In 2010, he was 
appointed Commander of VFW Post 4696.
  Tony has shown an inspiring commitment to assisting veterans and 
their families with their benefits. He has also been involved with 
helping homeless Veterans get into VA programs, including help with 
housing, education, and medical benefits. He has also enjoyed working 
with local elementary school students. In his talks with students, he 
has described the importance of patriotism, spoken about Memorial Day 
and Veterans Day, and reminded his young listeners that freedom is not 
free. He has also described how they can support our troops in Iraq and 
Afghanistan by writing letters and sending care packages to our 
servicemen and women overseas.
  On May 29, 2017, Tony stepped down as Commander for Post 4696, but I 
am pleased to hear that he will still be involved with the VFW as an at 
large member. I hope my colleagues will join me in sending Tony Zapata 
our deepest gratitude for his record of service overseas and here at 
home. His defense of our country, and his faithful support of our 
veterans and current servicemembers, is an inspiration to us all.

                          ____________________