[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 69 (Friday, April 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E569-E570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    BILL KELLY AND THE TEXAS RAIDERS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 27, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, at the height of World War II, Bill 
Kelly worked as an airplane mechanic. Stationed in the Marshall 
Islands, he and his team were responsible for the maintenance and 
repair of B-29 bombers that stopped over on their way to Japan and 
back. He and his brothers-in-arms often stayed up all night preparing 
the planes for the next leg of their journey, on occasion even 
replacing whole one-ton engines overnight.
  Although he is currently 93, aviation has been, I quote, ``second 
nature'' to Bill for most of his life. This is why the tribute one 
group arranged for him was so special.
  Recently, the Gulf Coast Wing of the Commemorative Air Force made 
Bill the guest of honor at their fly-in in Lakewood, Florida. To honor 
his service, Bill was given the opportunity to fly in a World War II-
era B-17 bomber, the ``Texas Raiders,'' maintained by the group. Bill 
enjoyed his 20-minute flight and said that it brought back several good 
memories of his time in the service.
  Mr. Speaker, as veterans of this war continue to grow older and fewer 
in number, it is important that we not let their sacrifice be 
forgotten. The members of the ``Greatest Generation'' made a unique 
contribution to the American nation, having not only endured the 
hardships of the Great Depression but also answered the call to defend 
our country after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

[[Page E570]]

  Groups like the custodians of ``Texas Raiders'' that travel the 
country and give veterans the opportunity to fly in World War II 
aircraft are doing important work to ensure that our country's veterans 
are not forgotten and are given due recognition of their bravery and 
sacrifice.
  Bill remarked that at 93, he is, I quote, ``pretty well advanced 
right now.'' Bill, you may be ``advanced'' in life, but you are still 
front and center in our collective memory.
  And that's just the way it is.

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