[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 121 (Thursday, July 18, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE ONTONAGON COUNTY VETERANS ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2019

  Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Ontonagon 
County Veterans Association (OCVA) for over sixteen years of service to 
Veterans and their families. Through their dedicated service, 
exceptional leadership, and steadfast devotion to its community, the 
OCVA has become an indispensable part of the Upper Peninsula of 
Michigan.
  First formed in 2003, the OCVA represents all eight VFWs and American 
Legions in Ontonagon County. The organization was first brought 
together to provide full military honors at all military burials in the 
county--an endeavor that requires significant coordination and 
participation from local Veterans. Today, the OCVA Honor Guard leads 
dozens of burials for Ontonagon Veterans each year. The group also 
schedules and operates the DAV Van, taking Veterans from throughout the 
county to the VA Facility in Iron Mountain. This work is made even more 
difficult by the extreme geographic size and low population density of 
Ontonagon County. Despite these challenges, the OCVA consistently rises 
to the challenge in service of our local Veterans.
  In addition to their regular work, efforts from the OCVA were 
critical in returning LS2 Lowell Valley, a sailor on the USS Oklahoma 
killed during the attacks on Pearl Harbor, home for final burial in 
2018. Its members are also highly involved in community activities, 
churches, government, and local businesses. Day after day, the OCVA 
continues to set a positive example of what can be achieved when the 
people of a community work together for the common good.
  Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize the Ontonagon County 
Veterans Association for decades of success and service to the Veterans 
of the Upper Peninsula. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing 
the First District is home to such dedicated citizens. On behalf of my 
constituents, I wish the OCVA all the best in its future endeavors.

                          ____________________