[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 57 (Wednesday, March 29, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H1536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF U.S. AIR FORCE FIRST LIEUTENANT 
                         THEODORE ``TED'' COHEN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
New York (Ms. Malliotakis) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. MALLIOTAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today on Vietnam Veterans Day 
to first and foremost thank the Vietnam veterans from my district and 
around the country who served, but also for a very special person, 
First Lieutenant Theodore ``Ted'' Cohen, a Staten Island resident who 
sadly passed away this past Saturday.
  Ted was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Brooklyn 
College where he was a member of the ROTC. Not long after the start of 
the Vietnam war, he served his first tour in Spain with the Strategic 
Air Command before flying on 26 close air support missions in Vietnam.
  Upon his return to the States, Ted spent his nights working with the 
Daily News before spending 25 years working for Avon in international 
marketing. When Ted's wife fell ill, he retired early. He decided to 
care for her and ensure that their last 9 years together were spent 
traveling the world.
  After his wife passed away, his passion for caring for others, 
especially our veterans, became his mission. Ted served as a member of 
the United Staten Island Veterans Organization, the Air Force 
Association, and The American Legion. He would bring food to homebound 
servicemen and -women. He would provide rides to and from their 
appointments at the VA if they were unable to drive themselves. He even 
went to help them complete their paperwork, which we know can sometimes 
be cumbersome.
  Not only was Ted a constituent and a champion for our Nation's 
veterans, but he was a dear friend to my office, having been a vocal 
member of our monthly veterans' roundtable. He always contributed 
greatly. He had many recommendations. We worked together to improve VA 
access and care.
  He also served on our academy nomination board for the past several 
years where he provided invaluable assistance and advice to our youth 
throughout the entire academy nominations process, and he helped us 
select the next generation of servicemembers.
  Our office, our local veterans, and our entire community will 
sincerely miss Ted and his invaluable service. His willingness to give 
back was so appreciated by all.
  Ted exemplified the very best of what it means to be an American, to 
put your country, to put your community, and to put others first. He 
answered every call to serve with honor, integrity, and distinction. We 
owe him an immeasurable debt of gratitude, not only for his service to 
our country, but for his lifelong service to our community.
  Please join me in extending condolences to his family. I thank Ted 
for his service.

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