[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 12, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H49]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         DONALD HUISENGA RECEIVES HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AT AGE 98

  (Mr. PFLUGER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with an incredible and 
inspirational story to congratulate San Angelo's Donald Huisenga on 
receiving his high school diploma after nearly 80 years of waiting.
  Although originally in the class of 1943, he was drafted into World 
War II just 3 months before graduation was scheduled.
  His service with the U.S. Army Special Forces took Mr. Huisenga 
behind enemy lines and to the front of the D-day charge.
  Recently, after Ms. Tess Gooding of San Angelo's VA clinic met with 
Mr. Huisenga and heard him mention always wanting to receive his 
diploma and graduate from high school, she got the ball rolling, and 
she went above and beyond the call of duty. And so did Mr. Huisenga's 
original high school district, East Sac County.
  Last Wednesday, alongside friends and family, Mr. Huisenga was 
awarded his high school diploma at the ripe age of 98 years old.
  It is touching to hear this story of service. I want to honor not 
only Mrs. Gooding for her work in the community, for her compassion, 
and for going above and beyond, but I would also like to honor Mr. 
Huisenga for his sacrifice to our country in World War II and for his 
continued desire to learn, teaching us an important lesson that it is 
never too late in life to learn.
  I thank everyone who helped Mr. Huisenga earn his diploma. They have 
all made us very proud. Congratulations on this incredible achievement.

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