[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 145 (Friday, August 31, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATING MR. CLEMENTE OTERO

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 31, 2018

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to congratulate Mr. Clemente Otero of Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, on 
his graduation from Santa Fe Indian School. Mr. Otero is 92 years old 
and was originally unable to receive his high school diploma because he 
was bravely serving our country in World War II.
  Mr. Otero was one of over 100 students at Santa Fe Indian School 
drafted into the United States Army during World War II. Beginning in 
1944, he served as a Private in a field artillery battalion in both the 
European and Pacific theaters. He initially served in Central Europe 
ahead of the liberation of Germany, and was then stationed in the 
Philippines until the surrender of the Japanese.
  After returning home from the war, Mr. Otero worked in a variety of 
fields including masonry, automotive repair, and house painting. He 
also worked for the University of New Mexico's facilities department 
until his retirement in 1998.
  Mr. Otero has five children, seven grandchildren, ten great-
grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. It was one of Mr. 
Otero's children, Grace Baca, who initially applied for her father's 
high school diploma through the Department of Veterans Affairs' 
Operation Recognition. This wonderful program recognizes the service 
and sacrifice of those who served in World War II, the Korean War, and 
the Vietnam War and were therefore unable to receive their high school 
diplomas when they were younger.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Mr. Clemente Otero on receiving 
his high school diploma. Mr. Clemente represents what makes our state 
and our nation so exceptional, and his brave service and sacrifice will 
not be forgotten.

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