[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 164 (Thursday, October 17, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1298-E1299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONOR THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. DON WAFUL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 17, 2019

  Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Mr. Don Waful, who passed away at the age of 103 on September 12, 
2019. Mr. Waful was known in Central New York as a decorated World War 
II veteran, prominent Syracuse University sports fan, and for his 
tenure as the President of the Syracuse Sky Chiefs baseball team.
  After graduating from Syracuse University with a bachelor's degree in 
1937 and master's degree in 1939, Mr. Waful went on to enlist in the 
U.S. Army at the onset of World War II. In the war, Mr. Waful served 
with the 1st Armored Division, receiving several commendations for his 
service including, the POW Medal, American Defense Service Medal, 
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory 
Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button. Notably, while in 
Tunisia, Mr. Waful and his unit encountered a German tank company, 
which subsequently took him and his unit prisoner. Mr. Waful survived 
as a POW in camps in Italy, Poland, and Germany before finally 
returning home.
  Following World War II, Mr. Waful returned home to Central New York 
to pursue a career in insurance and to serve as the President of the 
Syracuse Sky Chiefs baseball team. In his role with the Sky Chiefs, Mr. 
Waful contributed to the design and construction of NBT Bank stadium, 
which opened in 1997. Along with his contributions to the Sky Chiefs, 
Mr. Waful was known for his unwavering support of Syracuse University 
sports. As a lifelong Syracuse University Football fan, Mr. Waful was a 
mainstay at home games, missing only three contests since 1945.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in 
honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Don Waful. As a celebrated member 
of our Central New York community and prominent Syracuse sports 
supporter, Mr. Waful will be dearly missed. I ask my colleagues to keep 
him and his family in mind as we remember his life.

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