[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 137 (Friday, August 17, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1159-E1160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING CHARLES HAWES FOR BEING NAMED 2018 U.P. VETERAN OF THE 
                                  YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 17, 2018

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Charles Hawes 
for being named the 2018 U.P. Veteran of the Year. Through his 
dedicated service, exceptional leadership, and steadfast devotion to 
his community, Charles has become an indispensable part of the Upper 
Peninsula of Michigan.
  The U.P. Veteran of the Year is chosen annually by a selection 
committee consisting of past commanders of various service 
organizations throughout the peninsula. It is given to recognize Yooper 
Veterans who go above and beyond in their service to their local 
communities and fellow Veterans. None are more deserving of this honor 
than Charles Hawes. During his military career, Charles served as an E-
5 Second Class Petty Officer in the United States Navy, where he was 
decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service 
Medal with Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia, and Republic 
of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. His devotion to the people of 
his country and community has not wavered since he returned from 
military service.
  It is impossible to fully list all the ways in which Charles works to 
better the lives of U.P. Veterans. He currently serves as the chaplain 
for VFW District 14 and junior vice commander of VFW Post 6 in 
Marquette, having served as its commander previously. He volunteers at 
American Legion Post 44 by organizing bingo at the Marquette County 
Fair and participating in Memorial Day and Flag Day ceremonies. At the 
D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette, Charles assists at 
numerous Veterans' breakfasts throughout the year and works with the 
Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 380, with its annual dinner dance 
and picnic for Jacobetti residents. He serves as a mentor at DAV 
Chapter 22, where he is an essential volunteer at its annual membership 
drive and a top fundraiser for its Forget-Me-Not Program. He is also a 
founding member of the Marquette County Veterans Alliance. Charles has 
devoted decades to the people of Michigan, and his tireless efforts 
have directly improved the lives of thousands of U.P. Veterans.
  Outside of his work with Veterans organizations, Charles is an active 
volunteer with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Marquette and is 
the former Assistant Scout Master for BSA Troop 302. His contributions 
to his community were also previously recognized when he was named the 
2017 Marquette County Veteran of the Year. As a servicemember, a 
Veteran, a volunteer, a father, and a Yooper, Charles consistently puts 
the needs of others before his own. He was honored as the 2018 Upper 
Peninsula Veteran of the Year at a ceremony during the U.P. State Fair 
in Escanaba on August 16th.
  Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to congratulate Charles Hawes for his 
decades of service to fellow Michigan Veterans and for being named the 
2018 Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year. Michiganders can take great 
pride in knowing the First District is home to such a selfless and 
devoted individual. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Charles all 
the best in his future endeavors.

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