[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 80 (Monday, May 10, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2411-S2412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO BENNIE MONTOYA

 Mr. LUJAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and share 
the inspirational story of native New Mexican Mr. Bennie Montoya, who 
will celebrate his 100th birthday on August 20, 2021. Bennie is a 
member of the ``greatest generation,'' and his heroism and courage-
filled life are an inspiration to us all.
  Bennie was raised near Santa Fe in the Village of Agua Fria as the 
youngest of six siblings. After finishing the ninth grade at Harrington 
Junior High in Santa Fe, Bennie left school to help his family on their 
ranch, until he was drafted in August 1942. Bennie trained at Fort 
Bliss in El Paso, TX, prior to shipping out for Normandy to serve his 
country at one of the most significant battle sites in U.S. military 
history. At 23 years old, Private First Class Montoya landed in 
Normandy 6 days after D-day, and to this day, he recalls the bloodied 
waters and fallen soldiers from the momentous battle.
  During the war, he worked as a switchboard operator and also had the 
responsibility of driving his commanding officer from post to post. On 
December 17, 1944, when Private First Class Montoya volunteered to 
drive a senior military officer to the next post, he was ambushed by 
German soldiers and taken prisoner. As a prisoner of war, Bennie was 
forced to dig graves for Nazi soldiers who were killed in action. He 
was often made to do hard labor in the freezing snow with no shoes and 
suffered frostbite while under their abuse.
  Private First Class Montoya was finally liberated in 1945 and sent to 
a POW rehabilitation and recovery center in Santa Barbara, CA. 
Honorably discharged, Bennie made his way back to New Mexico 
unbeknownst to his family. The story of his homecoming speaks to the 
power of prayer and the bond between family members. His mother, as 
told by others with her on that day, kept a prayer card to St. Anthony, 
the patron saint of lost people and things in her pocket. As she was 
cooking and praying, she was overcome with emotion. What followed was 
nothing less than a joyous reunion: Bennie's mother stepped outside to 
collect herself and continued praying, and when she looked up and gazed 
across the fields, she saw Bennie walking towards her, duffel bag in 
tow.
  Bennie has lived a full and meaningful life since his time in the 
Army. Upon his honorable discharge, he was awarded several medals, 
including a Purple Heart. He raised four children in Agua Fria with his 
wife, Mary, before losing her to a drunk driver. Professionally, Bennie 
worked in the local banking industry for 27 years. He still lives in 
Agua Fria, where he is an upstanding and highly regarded member

[[Page S2412]]

of his community, and attends mass at San Isidro Catholic Church.
  I want to personally wish Bennie the happiest of birthdays as he 
prepares to celebrate 100 years and thank him for his service and 
sacrifice during World War II.
  Bennie, your service will never be forgotten, and I am forever 
grateful for your role in fighting for our freedom.

                          ____________________