[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 45 (Monday, March 9, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF JOE TAMAYO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY KIM

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 9, 2020

  Mr. KIM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a great 
American and prominent leader in the veteran community in Burlington 
County, Joe Tamayo.
  Joe Tamayo's life was defined by his service to his country, his 
community, and those in need. Joe was drafted into the Army to fight in 
the Korean war, where he served five tours and earned a Purple Heart 
for wounds received in combat during the battle of Pork Chop Hill. 
After he left Korea, Joe served two tours of duty in Germany, as well 
as a tour in Vietnam, before eventually returning to the United States 
on assignment at Fort Dix, New Jersey.
  In addition to his Purple Heart, throughout his time in the Army Joe 
received a number of awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star 
with ``V'' for Valor, a Combat Infantry Badge, a National Defense 
Service Medal, and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal. After 
twenty-two years of service to his country, Joe retired from active 
duty in 1973.
  Despite his retirement, Joe continued to seek out ways to serve his 
community and care for those in need. Joe focused his energy on 
troubled youth and took a position working at the New Jersey Children's 
Home in Mt. Holly, New Jersey. For thirty years at the Children's Home, 
Joe worked to instill a sense of pride, self-respect, discipline and 
self-worth in his students.
  After retiring from his work with the Children's home, Joe continued 
to be an active member of several Veteran Service Organizations 
including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Purple Heart Association, 
American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of 
America, and the 24th Infantry Regiment Combat Team Association, 
otherwise known as the Buffalo Soldiers. Throughout his life after his 
time in the military, Joe maintained his commitment to service and 
helped to support his fellow veterans in Burlington County.
  Joe Tamayo's story is a reminder to all of us that our veterans make 
incredible sacrifices not just to defend our nation, but also to 
support our communities and those most in need. I thank Joe for his 
lifetime of service to our nation and offer my deepest condolences to 
his family and friends.

                          ____________________