[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 61 (Monday, April 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E474-E475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRESSMAN BRIAN HIGGINS HONORS VETERANS HENRY AND GWEN COLON

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2018

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 
accomplishments of Henry and Gwendolyn Colon, upon the recognition of a 
lifetime together of faithful and courageous service in the U.S. Navy.
  Henry and Gwen Colon had quite a journey together in the Navy. Henry 
joined the Navy in 1974. Gwen enlisted into the Navy in 1979 because 
she was inspired by her father William McKinley Hawkins who served in 
the Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1948. Gwen's father received 
several medals and awards for his service in World War II and his name 
is listed on the African American Veterans of Western New York exhibit 
located at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr Library on Jefferson Ave. in 
Buffalo, NY.
  Henry and Gwen first met on June 9, 1980 at the Navy Exchange where 
their barracks were located. Days later they went on their first date 
and only four months later Gwen knew Henry would be the man she would 
marry. Henry and Gwen Colon's military service took them to several 
states including California, Virginia, Florida, and Mississippi. Gwen 
was also stationed in Naples, Italy and conducted inspections 
throughout the Mediterranean. While it was always a challenge living in 
two separate places throughout much of their time in the military they 
always found a way to be together. They were married in 1987, had a 
child together in 1989, and served together at the U.S. Naval Computer 
and Telecommunications Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico. In 
September of 1989 Hurricane Hugo hit Puerto Rico and Gwen brought her 
son back to Buffalo to her parents' house until it was safe to return 
to Puerto Rico.
  Henry and Gwen Colon had 35 combined years of military service. Henry 
served from 1974 to 1993 and Gwen served from 1979 to 1995. While in 
the Navy they rose a combined 11 ranks. They received many medals and 
awards. Henry Colon received the Good Conduct Medal with two bronze 
stars, Navy Expeditionary Medal with one bronze star, National Defense 
Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one bronze star, 
Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Ribbon with 
one bronze star, the Navy Sea Deployment Ribbon with one bronze star, 
and the United States Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation with 
Distinguished Device. Gwen was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps 
Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, 
National Defense Service Medal,

[[Page E475]]

Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service 
Ribbon with one bronze star, United States Coast Guard Special 
Operation Service Ribbon, and the New York State Medal for Merit.
  After many years of service Yeoman Second Class Gwen Colon was 
honorably discharged from the Navy and worked as a paralegal for a 
prominent attorney and Henry become Company Commander at the Recruit 
Training Center in Orlando, FL. Radioman First Class Henry Colon was 
honorably discharged in 1993. In 1999, Gwen returned to Buffalo where 
she worked at the Buffalo VA Medical Center. Unfortunately, Henry Colon 
passed away in 2002. Gwen retired from the Buffalo VA Medical Center in 
2009 but never stopped advocating for veterans and their families. In 
2015 Gwen started volunteering for the Patriot Guard Riders.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize 
Henry and Gwen Colon. It is an honor to recognize them as an example of 
veterans who were dedicated to serving in the military for the 
betterment of our nation. Henry and Gwen represent the strong resolve 
and determination of the people of Buffalo and their commitment to 
furthering their ambitions through hard work. They serve as inspiration 
to others by showing that our citizens can overcome challenges in their 
quest to serve our country.

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