[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 4, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF ALLEN CONNELLY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM BANKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 2020

  Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of The 
American Legion, Department of Indiana State Commander Mr. Allen 
Connelly.
  As a 50-year member of LaGrange American Legion Post 215, Connelly's 
engagement with the Legion over the last half-century is historic. That 
includes serving as Post Service Officer, Hoosier Boys State and Flag 
Education Chairman, member of the District Finance Committee and 
District Advisory Committee, member of the Department Strategic Plan 
Committee and Centennial Celebration Committee, member of the National 
Veteran's Preference Committee and Education, Other Benefits and 
Homelessness Committee, and more.
  Connelly has been heavily involved in his community outside the 
Legion as well. He served 25 years on the LaGrange Volunteer Fire 
Department; he was president and member of the Lakeland School 
Corporation Board of Trustees; he served 12 years as a member of the 
Bloomfield Township Advisory Board, and he has served as the Veteran 
Representative on the LaGrange County Drug Court since its founding. He 
is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in LaGrange.
  Connelly has also served our nation with distinction. He was active 
duty in the U.S. Army between 1964 and 1965, where he earned the rank 
of Sergeant. This record is testament to his civic engagement, 
attentiveness and hard work for which northeast Indiana is forever 
grateful.

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