[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 135 (Friday, August 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E851-E852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LATE WILLIAM ``BILL'' VICHKO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY KIM

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 2022

  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late 
William ``Bill'' Vichko, a beloved member of our community who passed 
away on June 29, 2022. He is survived by Katie, his wife of 48 years, 
his children Kara and Timothy, and his grandchildren Zoey and Edward. 
He also leaves behind his siblings Bob, Bev, Kathy, and Jay.
  A resident of Burlington County for most of his life, Bill was born 
in Riverside, NJ and graduated from Burlington High School and 
Burlington County College. He built a wonderful life for his family 
from the first moment he bought a house with his wife until his 
passing. Bill cherished every moment with his family and treasured his 
weekend trips taking the kids fishing and coaching their little league 
baseball teams.
  For years, Bill worked as an expeditor for Stone and Webster 
Engineering, United Engineers, and Shaw Group. Bill was the epitome of 
what it meant to be a hard worker and was able to see the country 
through work travel throughout his illustrious career. Beyond his work, 
Bill was devoted to serving our community, fellow servicemembers, and 
veterans. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was a 
lifelong Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) member at Scully Bozarth Post 
1817, where he spent time as a Trustee. Even beyond his service, for 47 
years Bill was known for wearing a silver bracelet with Colonel Roy A. 
Knight Jr's name on it after purchasing it from a fundraiser for 
servicemembers who were declared prisoners of war or missing in action. 
Bill was as committed to his fellow Vietnam veterans as anyone and 
sought out opportunities to honor their memory and service in any way 
possible.
  After his honorable discharge, Bill volunteered as a docent on the 
USS Battleship New Jersey in Camden for nine years, where he could be 
found greeting visitors in the Captain's Cabin. He would often take 
extra time to speak with fellow veterans who served on the ship and 
brightened the days of their children and grandchildren. It was evident 
that his care for his family, his job, and his country were sources of 
great pride and passion to all who knew him.
  Bill was a kind soul who inspired kindness and service in those he 
touched. We were lucky to live with Bill as part of our community. My 
heart goes out to Bill's entire family and for those that knew him, 
even for the most fleeting moments; he will be missed.

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