[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E891]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                          HONORING VERA PUNKE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONALD S. BEYER, JR.

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 26, 2023

  Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize my constituent, Ms. 
Vera Punke, for turning 108 years old last month.
  Vera was born on August 29, 1915. She celebrated her birthday with 
friends and family around, along with an abundance of Arlington 
dignitaries. Vera has been a highly successful businesswoman, community 
organizer, co-founder of the Woman's Youth League of Rhode Island, Den 
Mother, Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, Mother, Grandmother, and Great 
Grandmother. She has been an exemplary volunteer at The Jefferson 
community and remains as active, engaged, energetic, and decisive as 
ever.
  Vera always remains available to anyone needing a helping hand, a 
shoulder to cry on, a sympathetic listener to anyone just wanting to 
talk, and an inspiration to anyone who knows her life's story. She 
lives by her personal motto: ``If I have helped ease one ache or pain, 
I have not lived in vain.'' Arlington is honored to celebrate her 
accomplished life and this milestone birthday.

                          ____________________