[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 194 (Thursday, November 4, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1196-E1197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING WILLIAM ``BILL'' LIVESAY ON BEING NAMED THE 2021 ST. CLAIR 
          COUNTY MICHIGAN VETERANS COUNCIL VETERAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LISA C. McCLAIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 4, 2021

  Mrs. McCLAIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize William 
``Bill'' Livesay of East China, Michigan, on being named the 2021 St. 
Clair County Michigan Veterans Council Veteran of the Year. Bill was 
nominated for this award by the St. Clair County Voiture Locale 120, 
40et8.
  When you look at Bill's resume, you won't be surprised why he has 
been awarded this high honor. Bill embodies selfless patriotism towards 
his country and thoughtful service to his community. Soon after 
graduating high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force in 
1965 and trained in Aerospace Ground Equipment. He left active duty in 
1969 and enlisted in the Michigan Air National Guard, 127th Tactical 
Reconnaissance Wing, at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Soon after in 
1971, the Wing relocated to Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
  Bill supported and deployed numerous times during operations in 
Southwest Asia, Kosovo, the Iraq campaign, and also served as a 
military advisor to the Latvian Ministry of Defense. In January of 
1998, he was appointed 127th Wing Senior Enlisted Advisor and was then 
appointed Command Chief Master Sergeant. In 2000, he was selected as 
the Michigan Air National Guard Command Chief. He retired in September 
2003 with 38 years, 2 months, and 23 days of service. During this time, 
he received awards such as the Meritorious Service Medal with two 
Bronze Oak Leaves, Air Force Commendation Medal with a Bronze Oak Leaf, 
and the Air Force Achievement Medal with a Bronze Oak Leaf.
  After his retirement, Bill was employed by the United States Army and 
assigned to the Heavy Tactical Vehicle Division Tank & Automotive 
Command, in Warren, Michigan. As an equipment specialist, he was 
involved in direct support of all Heavy Tactical Vehicles during the 
initial stages of the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. He finally 
retired in January 2013 with more than 47 years of government service.
  In retirement, Bill has kept active. He has been a member of the 
American Legion Post 382 for 17 years, serving as their Post Adjutant 
since 2016. He is also a member of the Post Honor Guard and Post Color 
Guard, and since 2014, he has been a member of the St. Clair County 
Veterans Council Honor Guard team. There have been over 1,500 veterans' 
funerals and community ceremonial events in which he has performed. Any 
veteran who has

[[Page E1197]]

an issue, should seek out Bill; he has been a constant promoter of 
veterans' programs that highlight available benefits. If he does not 
know an answer, you can be sure he will do all he can to find the 
answer.
  It is an honor to recognize such a great American. Bill has dedicated 
his life to this country and its veterans. It is my hope that Bill 
recognizes the enormous impact he has had. The example he has set will 
be followed for years to come. I congratulate Bill on this honor and I 
thank him for his service. I wish him many more years of dedicated and 
selfless service.

                          ____________________