[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 198 (Monday, November 15, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1234-E1235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE HEROIC LIFE AND SERVICE OF ROBERT G. MITCHELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 15, 2021

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic life of 
Navy veteran and former Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency 
Director, Bob Mitchell.
  Bob Mitchell was born in 1936 in Saratoga Springs and graduated from 
Al Penney Police Academy. At the age of 17, Bob enlisted in the Navy in 
the midst of the Korean War. Bob was initially assigned to serve as a 
Signalman with Air Transport Squadron Five (VR-5) and played an 
important role in the occupation of Europe. Later in his career, Bob 
was assigned to the USS Gainard, the ship famously known for its 
participation in the Cuban Missile Crisis and its help with the Project 
Mercury space missions.
  Bob finished up his twenty years of military service at the Navy 
Recruiting Station in Buffalo, New York. During his tenure in the Navy, 
Bob spent over five years in foreign or sea service and retired in 1973 
with the rank of Petty Officer First Class. For his courageous service, 
Bob was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Good Conduct 
Medal (6th award), and the Navy Occupational Service Medal with ``E'' 
Clasp.
  After his retirement, Bob continued to dedicate his life to serving 
his country and community. He held positions with numerous community 
institutions and organizations, including the Saratoga Springs Police 
Department and the Saratoga County Sheriff Department. Eventually, Bob 
became the Director of the Saratoga County Veteran Service Agency. His 
tremendous work in this role created life

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changing opportunities for the veterans he served. Bob organized 
numerous initiatives to support veterans and oversaw the creation of 
the Honor Deceased Veteran program. He was a true veteran's veteran.
  On behalf of New York's 21st district, I am honored to recognize the 
extraordinary life of Bob Mitchell, and his brave and selfless service 
to his country and fellow veterans. It is my hope that his fearless 
spirit and bravery will be carried on by those who knew and loved him.

                          ____________________