[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 16, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H1407-H1408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING VINCENT SPERANZA, 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION PARATROOPER

  (Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

[[Page H1408]]

  

  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize Mr. Vincent Speranza, a 101st Airborne Division paratrooper, 
a Battle of the Bulge legend, and now a frequent flyer out of the 
Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, Illinois.
  Mr. Speranza is 95 years old and usually flies out of Abraham Lincoln 
on his way to travel the world or to jump out of airplanes like last 
year with the U.S. Army's Golden Knights.
  Just a few weeks ago, I had the honor of being on the same flight as 
he was. TSA Officers Martin Derhake and Deanna Victor love Mr. Speranza 
and know he will always have a new story to brighten their day and lift 
their spirits.
  Mr. Speranza grew up in Staten Island but now lives in Sherman, 
Illinois. He became a paratrooper after basic training and joined the 
101st just prior to the Battle of the Bulge, where his actions have 
cemented his legacy to this day. Mr. Speranza filled up his Army helmet 
with beer from a tap in Bastogne for his friend who was wounded. Later, 
Airborne Beer was born because of Speranza's efforts. Madam Speaker, I 
urge you to look this story up if you haven't already.
  I thank Mr. Speranza for his service to our country, for the way his 
presence brightens everyone's day, and for helping his fellow troops 
find a beer during the Battle of the Bulge.
  Cheers to many more years, my friend.

                          ____________________