[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 21, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H3764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF CHARLES ``CHUCK'' POETTKER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Bost) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of 
Charles ``Chuck'' Poettker who passed away suddenly on Saturday.
  I had the honor of calling Chuck a friend. And I know that he is 
leaving a legacy that has impacted so many.
  A U.S. Army veteran, Chuck served in the 101st Airborne Division 
stationed at Camp Evans in South Vietnam. At just 20 years old, he and 
his unit were given orders for a rescue mission in Laos. They were 
tasked with rescuing two door gunners and recovering the bodies of a 
downed helicopter pilot and co-pilot. Because of his heroic actions 
during the mission and journey back to safety, Chuck was awarded the 
U.S. Army Bronze Star.
  A man of faith, Chuck prayed that if he made it out alive, he would 
dedicate his life to building something of value for others. He did 
just that.
  He returned home and began a career as an apprentice carpenter, 
taking night classes in construction management at what is now the 
Southwestern Illinois College. He went on and founded Poettker 
Construction, leading the company for 41 years. Today, the company 
employs over 200 families across 26 States.
  He was also committed to his community and giving back to the Metro 
East area there in southern Illinois through numerous charities.
  Madam Speaker, my prayers go out to Chuck's wife, Linda, and his 
family and many friends during this difficult time.


                Supporting Apprenticeships for Veterans

  Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I also rise today to talk about the fact 
that when I ran Bost Trucking company for 10 years, many of our hardest 
workers and most trusted employees shared something in common. They 
were veterans.
  The military teaches servicemembers invaluable skills, leadership, 
teamwork, and dedication to compete and complete the missions that they 
are assigned. But many veterans are facing challenges in finding work 
after COVID-19 shutdowns. That is why I have introduced the Veterans' 
Agricultural Apprenticeship Act.
  This bipartisan bill will help connect out-of-work veterans with 
farmers and ranchers who are in need of on-the-farm labor. It will help 
farmers and ranchers expand their operations while also offering the 
veterans new skills and career paths once they return home.
  Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from Florida (Mr. Lawson) and our 
bipartisan group of 15 additional cosponsors for supporting this 
critically important bill. I hope that more of our colleagues will join 
us in helping advance a win-win solution to an ever-growing problem.

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