[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 172 (Friday, October 19, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING LTC(RET) NICHOLAS M. LAIACONA ON RECEIVING THE 2018 
                       VETERAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 19, 2018

  Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate LTC(Ret) 
Nicholas Laiacona on receiving the 2018 Veteran of the Year Award.
  Each year, the Friends of the NYS Military Museum and the Capitol 
District of NY Chapter, Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) recognize 
an outstanding veteran from the local community. This year's awardee, 
LTC Laiacona, has made distinguished contributions to his country as a 
soldier and to his community as a veteran.
  LTC Laiacona entered the Army in 1966 and served in Vietnam as a 
Platoon Leader and Company Commander in the Mobile Riverine Force, 9th 
Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta. After returning home, he 
transferred to the Ordnance Corps, fulfilling assignments in the United 
States, Germany, and Korea. In 1985, he was selected as one of the 
first certified U.S. Army Material Acquisition Managers and became one 
of the first officers in the Army Acquisition Corps. LTC Laiacona 
retired in 1991 with over 24 years of service and numerous awards and 
decorations, among them the Purple Heart and Vietnam Service Medal with 
4 stars.
  After retiring, LTC Laiacona continued to contribute to the Army by 
applying his expertise to several corporations in support of U.S. Army 
Armament Research, Development and Engineering. He also remains active 
in several Veterans organizations, including the AUSA where he served 
as President of the Capital District Chapter and continues to serve on 
its Executive Committee.
  On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate 
LTC(Ret) Nicholas Laiacona on his well-deserved award of 2018 Veteran 
of the Year. We are thankful for his service and dedication to both his 
country and community

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