[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 149 (Thursday, September 15, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H7846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LEON WALLACE

  (Ms. MALLIOTAKIS asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. MALLIOTAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of my constituent, Leon Wallace, who recently passed away at the 
age of 85, and to share with the Nation his contributions to our 
community and country.
  Leon was a native Staten Islander who grew up in West Brighton and 
Mariners Harbor, attended P.S. 18, and graduated from McKee High School 
in 1956.
  Leon enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served as a jet mechanic 
while stationed in Guam and later returned to service with the Army 
National Guard's 117th Calvary. He put his life on the line for our 
country at a time when our country did not afford him equal rights as 
an African American. That shows you how truly special he was.
  Not only was Leon a dedicated member of our military but he was a 
steward of outstanding service to our community. After his time in the 
Air Force, Leon dedicated his time to helping individuals with 
developmental disabilities and their families. He was also a member of 
the NAACP, USIVO, and the 369th Veterans Association, as well as St. 
Philips Baptist Church, and recently, even completed the New York State 
chaplains' course to minister to other vets in need.
  To many across our community, he was referred to as Uncle Leon. He 
was well-known for his uplifting sayings and positive perspective. 
Whenever you asked him how he was doing, he would smile and say, ``I am 
too blessed to be stressed.''
  I was proud to call Leon a friend. This is our last photo together 
from June. I know I speak for so many in our community when I say that 
his presence will be missed.

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