[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 11 (Thursday, January 18, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E67]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE 555TH HONORS DETACHMENT

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                         HON. JAMES B. RENACCI

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 18, 2018

  Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 555th Honors 
Detachment. Our nation has a solemn duty to honor those who have 
served. The last honors of a deceased veteran is one of the most 
important traditions.
  In January 2000, Congress guaranteed Veterans' Funeral Honors. This 
would include at least two service members who will fold and present 
the American flag and a bugler to sound Taps.
  When planning for the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery's 
(OWRNC) first burials in June of 2000, the director sought to provide 
enhanced military services for deceased veterans by tasking Northern 
Ohio county veterans groups with providing funeral honors.
  Three Wayne County brothers, Lloyd, Arden, and Elton Boyer were 
concerned about the lack of participation in their county.
  There was a need for additional support. Elton suggested forming a 
new Wayne County Veteran Organization just to provide military rites at 
the National Cemetery.
  As a result of this discussion the 555th Honors Detachment was born. 
It is sometimes referred to as ``The Triple Nickel''. The ``5'' in the 
name symbolizes the five military services. The 3 fives are symbolic of 
the three brothers who proposed the concept. By October 2000 there were 
16 names on the unit roster and they have grown to contain members from 
all service branches.
  The 555th Honors Detachment has demonstrated itself to be one of the 
top Veterans' Service Organizations in our Great Nation. The Triple 
Nickel is heavily involved in veteran and patriotic programs and 
activities throughout the numerous Wayne County communities and 
schools.
  In 2017, the 555th Honors Detachment performed 375 funeral honors 
missions and almost 100 private functions. The Triple Nickle has 
presented itself as a premier veteran service organization worthy of 
recognition.

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