[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 148 (Friday, August 20, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E907]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LT. COL. MATT URBAN VFW AND AMVETS POST 7275

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                           HON. CHRIS JACOBS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 20, 2021

  Mr. JACOBS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Lt. Col. Matt Urban VFW and AMVETS Post 7275 on the 75th anniversary of 
its founding.
  The VFW and AMVETS Post, located in the Town of Lancaster, NY, is 
named after Matt Louis Urban, one of the most decorated American 
soldiers from WWII and a native of Buffalo, NY. Lieutenant Colonel 
Urban served in the United States Army from 1941-1946 and during his 
time in the military, saw combat in North Africa, Sicily, France, and 
Belgium. After being wounded in France, Urban and his battalion carried 
on into Belgium where he was severely wounded by machine gun fire in 
Philippeville. Urban eventually made his way to Germany without the 
ability to speak from his previous injuries and medically retired from 
the Army in 1946. Returning to the United States, Lieutenant Colonel 
Urban settled down in Michigan, received the Medal of Honor in 1979, 
and passed away in 1995. Some of Urban's other honors include 2 Silver 
Stars, 7 Purple Hearts, the Legion of Merit, and the Croix de Guerre 
from France.
  Post 7275 adopted Lt. Col. Matt Urban's name in 2011 and today, it 
looks to keep its namesake's legacy of selfless service alive through 
community involvement and outreach. Chicken and steak dinners, classic 
car shows, and holiday parties all populate the Post's calendar and 
fundraise for various causes and services. Additionally, the Post 
organizes several veteran-related services and memorials for its 
members. During the Thanksgiving holiday, a food drive is put on by and 
for veterans. For Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day, the 
Post organizes ceremonies to remember the fallen and honor its members' 
sacrifices. Flag Day is especially significant for both the VFW and 
AMVETS as flags are placed at the graves of veterans and those killed 
in action at local cemeteries. The Post has also remained very active 
during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping members stay in contact with the 
local VA hospital for medical services and keeping veterans informed 
about vaccination information.
  I thank the Lt. Col. Matt Urban VFW and AMVETS Post 7275 for its 
tireless commitments to serving our local veterans and greater 
community, and I again congratulate the Post on its 75th anniversary.

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