[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 179 (Tuesday, October 12, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE TRAVIS KITCHEN VFW POST 778 OF MILFORD, CONNECTICUT ON THE 
                 CELEBRATION OF THEIR 75TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 12, 2021

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today 
to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Travis Kitchen Veterans 
of Foreign War Post 778 in Milford, Connecticut as they mark their 75th 
Anniversary. As we mark this extraordinary milestone, I am honored to 
have this opportunity to extend my deepest thanks to the leadership and 
members of VFW Post 778 who work so diligently to both support our 
veterans and ensure that our community never forget the sacrifices made 
by those who chose to serve in our nation's military branches.
  Named in honor of local veteran and founding member, Travis Kitchen, 
VFW Post 778 has long been a haven of support and comradery for Milford 
area veterans. A veteran of the United States Army Air Force, Travis 
Kitchen served with honor during World War II, earning the Asiatic 
Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Bronze 
Star. He lost an eye at Iwo Jima and though, like so many other 
veterans, he never really spoke of his time in the service, when he 
returned home he was determined to help his brothers in arms. Travis 
Kitchen was a driving force in the building the hall and was one of its 
most dedicated members. Even well into his 80's, he could often be 
found fixing things around the hall.
  All of our nation's veterans deserve our gratitude. They fought to 
protect the freedom and democracy that underlie all that we do. It is 
easy to take our fundamental freedoms for granted, but we must never 
forget that the liberties we enjoy were hard-won and not commonplace in 
the world. My father was a veteran, and his memory always reminds me of 
the debt owed to the men and women who have served our country. Upon 
their return from service, many of our soldiers faced challenges re-
entering the workforce, accessing the benefits they were entitled to, 
and ensuring that their needs were addressed by the government.
  Just as in other VFW Posts across our nation, the VFW Post 778 and 
their members continue to ensure that those who have served in 
America's armed forces receive the benefits and support they so richly 
deserve. In addition, they bring so much more to our community through 
the variety of civic service their members participate in on our 
behalf. In establishing Post 778 and working so diligently, their 
membership has made all the difference in the lives of many. It has 
become an invaluable resource to veterans in the community.
  Perhaps more importantly, VFW Posts brought together those who shared 
a common bond--those who gave so much of themselves to protect and 
defend our great nation. Today, as they celebrate their 75th 
anniversary, the Travis Kitchen Post 778 can be proud of all of the 
good work they have done. It is my honor to stand today to extend my 
deepest thanks and appreciation to the leadership and members, past and 
present who have ensured VFW Post 778 has and continues to serve our 
community as well as my heartfelt congratulations on this very special 
milestone. As we say in Italian ``C'ent Anni,'' to another hundred 
years.

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