[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 69 (Wednesday, April 27, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE GABRIEL A. RODRIGUEZ AMERICAN 
                          LEGION POST NO. 1928

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 27, 2022

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today it is our honor to 
recognize the contributions and service of the Gabriel A. Rodriguez 
American Legion Post No. 1928 as they celebrate their first annual 
dinner this April.
  American Legion Post No. 1928 was chartered in 1986 and for the last 
36 years has honored the American Legion's foundational pillars of 
programs and activities that support Americanism, National Security, 
Children & Youth, and Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation.
  Just a few months after the Post was founded by Hispanic American 
veterans in Western New York, the Legion was renamed the Gabriel A. 
Rodriguez American Legion Post No. 1928, in honor of their fallen 
Vietnam War veteran, friend and brother affectionately known as Gabe.
  As a member of the United States Army's 25th Infantry Division, 
Gabriel Rodriguez spent over a year in the Qui Nhon region of the 
Republic of Vietnam. But his service didn't stop there. Upon his return 
home he joined the New York National Guard where he would serve from 
1971 to 1977.
  Gabe suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result 
of his wartime experiences which led to his passing in 1981. To honor 
his legacy, the Gabriel A. Rodriguez Post serves as a place of comfort 
and community for all veterans including those experiencing PTSD today.
  The Gabriel A. Rodriguez American Legion Post members' commitment to 
serving veterans and the community is impactful and unwavering. They 
helped lead the national push to award the Borinqueneers the 
Congressional Gold Medal, organized food distribution events during the 
pandemic, and regularly reach out to help fellow veterans receive the 
benefits and medals they've earned.
  Madam Speaker, for the members of the Gabriel A. Rodriguez American 
Legion Post No. 1928, a commitment to service didn't end following 
their honorable discharge from duty. It continues today and our 
community and country are better thanks to their ongoing care and 
efforts.

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