[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 198 (Monday, November 15, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. JAMES D. ECKERT

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. JENNIFFER GONZALEZ-COLON

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 15, 2021

  Miss GONZALEZ-COLON. Madam Speaker, Dr. James Eckert is one of many 
fellow Americans born stateside but whose path took him to Puerto Rico, 
where he raised his family and devoted himself to the development of 
education. His leadership in the military and educational fields 
touched many in our dear Island. Born on October 2, 1932, in New York 
City, New York, he attended the University of Southern California where 
he received his bachelor's degree. After graduation, he enlisted in the 
United States Marine Corps, receiving a Commission as a Marine Corps 
Officer in 1960. His recent passing is a deeply felt loss to his family 
but also to the many people in Puerto Rico that were touched by him.
  During his military career, he served in the Republic of South Korea 
and South Vietnam. He also served at sea aboard the USS Boxer, a 
27,100-ton Essex-class aircraft carrier that in the late 1950's was 
transferred to the Atlantic Fleet as an ``interim amphibious assault 
ship'' and mainly operated in the Caribbean area with the Tenth 
Provisional Marine Brigade on board. While the USS Boxer was in Puerto 
Rico, Marine Officer James Eckert met his future wife Mrs. Carmen 
``Tata'' Eckert from the town of Fajardo. Their relationship blossomed 
and was blessed by the arrival of 3 children who grew to become 
professional in their own right; Attorney Heydsha Colon, Mr. James D. 
Eckert and Mr. Larry E. Eckert who enriched the family with a bouquet 
of 5 grandchildren.
  After 25 years of service and with the rank of Major, James D. Eckert 
retired from the United States Marine Corps with the satisfaction of 
having served our nation with great honor. During his military career 
Major Eckert's valor and leadership was recognized by various 
decorations, medals, badges and commendations. Upon retirement Major 
Eckert established his family in Puerto Rico where he pursued and 
obtained Master and Doctoral Degrees in Education and worked in 
different leadership positions ranging from High School to University 
level.
  The Marine Corps motto of ``Semper Fidelis'' or Always Faithfull 
accompanied him through his life after retirement, where his sense of 
duty manifested in his voluntary service in various military and civic 
organizations. He served as President of the Puerto Rico chapters of 
the Military Order of the World Wars and the Reserve Officers 
Association and was an active member of the Marine Corps Association, 
the Navy League of the United States. Respected as a leader, family 
man, father, grandfather and restless advocate of Puerto Rico's veteran 
and military community, he always demonstrated his patriotism, bravery, 
and courage. Without a doubt Major James D. Eckert is an example and 
inspiration to follow by all.

                          ____________________