[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 188 (Thursday, November 29, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1574]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MR. CRAIG LaMOUNTAIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PETER A. DeFAZIO

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 29, 2018

  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor Mr. Craig 
LaMountain for his dedication and accomplishments in establishing the 
Vietnam War Foundation and Museum for the purpose of memorializing 
those who fought in Vietnam as well as to educate succeeding 
generations concerning these veterans' experiences, sacrifices, 
service, and devotion to duty.
  Mr. LaMountain is a Vietnam veteran, drafted into the U.S. Army in 
October 1966 and coming home in August 1968. Mr. LaMountain began 
collecting memorabilia and visiting schools in New York after his 
brother, LT Vetal Charles LaMountain, a Naval aviator crashed while on 
a mission during the Vietnam War and whose remains were never 
recovered. When Mr. LaMountain's close cousin, Mickey Addy, died of 
cancer from Agent Orange, the collection was expanded to further 
present to schools the opportunity for veterans to share their 
experiences. Like so many Vietnam veterans, Mr. LaMountain continues to 
sacrifice to this day in fighting his own battle against the effects of 
Agent Orange.
  Upon retirement, Mr. LaMountain incorporated his collection as the 
Vietnam War Foundation (VWF), a non-profit 501(c)(3) public education 
foundation. The VWF provides schoolchildren and the general public the 
opportunity to learn about the military legacy of the 1960s in a 
``hands-on'', free of charge environment, hear its Vietnam veterans 
share their stories, and see and touch restored, historic military 
aircraft and vehicles. No other known educational foundation in the 
U.S. is totally dedicated to preserving this unique Vietnam era 
equipment and memorabilia for future generations of schoolchildren and 
the general public to experience. Mr. LaMountain has devoted himself to 
this mission for over 30 years.
  It is my privilege to honor Mr. Craig LaMountain today, and my 
sincere hope that you'll join me in recognizing him for his 
extraordinary effort to present the Vietnam era story and experiences 
to schools, veterans and their families, historians and the general 
public.

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