[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 12, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S4382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                 REMEMBERING RICHARD HAYES CESLER, SR.

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, with my fellow Members of Idaho's 
congressional delegation Senator Jim Risch and Representatives Mike 
Simpson and Russ Fulcher, we pay tribute to an outstanding Idahoan, 
Richard ``Rich'' Hayes Cesler, Sr., who served our country and its 
veterans with great distinction. He passed away on July 16, 2023.
  Rich not only assisted living veterans and their families, but also 
made sure thousands were recognized and honored after their passing. 
Rich partnered with Fred Salanti in cofounding the nonprofit Missing in 
America, MIA, Project. Rich served as the MIA Project's national 
cemeteries/laws coordinator. Since 2006, the duo led MIA Project 
volunteers nationwide who have interred the unclaimed cremated remains 
of nearly 5,800 veterans.
  As a Vietnam veteran, Rich connected with the many veterans and their 
families he helped. He grew up in Portsmouth, VA, and joined the U.S. 
Air Force directly after high school. He obtained the rank of sergeant 
during his service from 1966 to 1972. He was trained as a jet aircraft 
mechanic and aircraft maintenance technician and served as a crew chief 
in Saigon, Vietnam, working on F-111 aircraft.
  His loved ones characterize Rich as ``a true renaissance man'' who 
dabbled in many different hobbies and occupations. His obituary 
includes a list of his vocations after his military service noting that 
in no particular order he ``was a life insurance agent, a police 
officer, Veteran Service Officer, small business owner, general 
contractor, cargo/baggage handler, senior customer service agent, 
international head judge for car stereo contests, promoter, Director of 
two State Veteran cemeteries, beta tester, trainer, VFW state 
commander, he drafted legislation, delivered seminars, was a competitor 
at car stereo contests, a published writer, and a die-hard veteran 
supporter and advocate.'' In fact, he was recognized with a 2011 Spirit 
of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award for his unselfish dedication 
to his fellow veterans and their families. His work as director of two 
State veterans cemeteries to ensure veterans and their spouses received 
the burials they were promised and his founding of the MIA Project were 
among the many examples of his dedicated service to others cited in his 
award recognition.
  Honoring Rich Cesler in Congress in September during National POW/MIA 
Recognition Month, a time set aside to highlight ongoing efforts to 
seek answers for families of America's prisoners of war--POWs--and 
missing in action--MIA--is deeply fitting as Rich made sure lost 
soldiers were honored here at home. He saw firsthand that America's 
veterans did not only go missing overseas. He recognized that the 
shelves of funeral homes, coroner's offices, and State hospitals and 
even far less ceremonial locations should not be the final resting 
places for veterans who do not have remaining family or have lost touch 
with their families. MIA Project volunteers' commendable efforts to 
honor veterans lost right here at home were rightly recognized. This 
includes our understanding that he was being considered for a 
Presidential award for his Missing in America Project. Rich said, ``The 
MIA Project has become the voice for those who have none and continues 
to be dedicated to remembering our forgotten heroes.''
  Rich accomplished one of the greatest things we can achieve in our 
lifetime: He used his talents and experiences to meaningfully help 
others. His actions demonstrated his deep understanding that great 
personal rewards came from giving to others instead of seeking personal 
gains. And, despite his solemn work, he found and shared joy. Rich was 
known for his amazing sense of humor. As noted in his obituary, ``This 
was one of his greatest joys, to laugh and make others laugh.'' May the 
joy, levity, and dedication he gave to so many during his time on earth 
comfort his many friends and loved ones, including his wife of 47 years 
Joyce; six children and their spouses; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-
grandchildren; and many others. We join in mourning this great Idahoan 
and American and pay tribute to his extraordinary legacy.

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