[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 27 (Monday, February 10, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H1001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOE VANDEVER, SR.

  (Mr. O'HALLERAN asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. O'HALLERAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the 
legacy of Joe Vandever, Sr., who passed away recently at the age of 96.
  Joe was a Navajo native code talker, a member of an elite group that 
used their native tongue to create unbreakable codes and transmit top-
secret messages during World War II.
  Joe bravely enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 20 and 
served in nine different locations until he was honorably discharged as 
a corporal in 1946.
  Here is a great part of his story, besides all the work he did for 
our military. Joe is survived by his sister, his six children, 36 
grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
  We must never forget the immense bravery and sacrifices made by the 
Navajo code talkers. They saved countless lives and helped turn the 
tide of World War II.
  Pat and I are keeping Joe's family and friends and the entire Navajo 
Nation community in our prayers as we mourn his passing.
  There are very few code talkers left in our country today. I have 
gotten to know most of them, and it has been a great honor.

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