[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 13, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                      RECOGNIZING STEPHAN KAMINSKY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 13, 2019

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life Mr. 
Stephan Kaminsky, an esteemed veteran, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 
Post Commander and community volunteer who passed away in January at 
the age of 73.
   Mr. Kaminsky served four years in the Navy during the Vietnam War, 
where he was stationed on the USS Epperson DD719, a destroyer.
   After his service, Mr. Kaminsky remained active with community 
veteran organizations as a member of the Mundelein American Legion No. 
867 and Commander of the Libertyville VFW Post 8741. He also served as 
President of the USS Epperson DD-719 Association, participating in 
reunions of former shipmates around the United States every two years.
   Within VFW, Mr. Kaminsky was particularly active in the Buddy Poppy 
Donation Drive. The poppy is the official flower of the VFW, and 
represents the blood shed by American service members. Mr. Kaminsky's 
work to ensure the drive's success benefitted local veterans' welfare 
in the Lake County area. He was also a vital leader in the VFW 
``Patriots' Pen'' essay contest. He was also a member of the Color 
Guard and Honor Guard and could frequently be seen marching in 
community parades for events ranging from the high school homecoming 
dance to the Fourth of July.
   A graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago, Mr. Kaminsky was 
Vice President of the First American Bank of Elk Grove Village. He was 
also an avid sports fan who enjoyed playing volleyball and rooting for 
Notre Dame and the White Sox.
   I extend my sincere sympathies to his wife, Elizabeth, and the many 
family and friends who mourn his passing. It is my great honor to 
recognize Mr. Stephan Kaminsky today and celebrate his service to our 
nation and to the veterans in our community.

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