[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 170 (Tuesday, October 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING RAYMOND F. BRUNELLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHRIS PAPPAS

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 17, 2023

  Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today in recognition of 
the life and legacy of Raymond F. Brunelle, a cherished member of the 
New Hampshire community and a valiant veteran of the Korean War. A New 
Hampshire native, Raymond lived a life of service from his time in 
uniform through his years in civilian life, championing the causes of 
his fellow veterans and prisoners of war (POWs). Although he was too 
young to enlist on his own, with his mother's blessing Raymond joined 
the U.S. Army in 1952. Alongside the 40th Infantry Division, Raymond 
served in Japan and Korea, earning the rank of Private First Class. 
After the Chinese Army ambushed his unit in North Korea, Raymond was 
taken captive until he devised a plan to escape. Two months after his 
escape, Raymond and members of his unit suffered casualties following 
the explosion of a ground mine. After sustaining debilitating injuries, 
Raymond was honorably discharged and ordered home. Upon returning to 
New Hampshire, Raymond continued a life of service to his country. 
Raymond's strong sense of duty speaks to his patriotism, bravery, and 
camaraderie, and we thank him for defending our freedoms and supporting 
others that share in his mission.
  After returning to the Granite State, Raymond served as an active 
member of the local community. Although he began at the Portsmouth 
Naval Shipyard, Raymond would continue to work into his retirement, 
eventually becoming an electrician in his own business. As a lifelong 
member of the American Legion and the VFW, Raymond committed himself to 
supporting his fellow veterans. As a Pease Greeter, Raymond welcomed 
troops to the Pease Air National Guard Base before they were deployed 
on combat missions around the world. In his later years, Raymond 
continued to advocate for the military as he led support groups for 
former POWs and joined in Memorial Day and Veterans' Day tributes. 
Raymond's commitment to supporting the men and women of our armed 
forces exemplifies his loyalty and respect to the defense of our 
Nation.
  Nearly 60 years passed by before Raymond's time as a POW was formally 
recognized. Today, as we remember Raymond's life, we recognize his 
history of service and sacrifice. I commend Raymond for his lifelong 
dedication to our state and Nation, and I want to extend my sincere 
condolences to his family and loved ones. Raymond's legacy will 
continue to live on in the lives of those he influenced. On behalf of 
the constituents of New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I 
thank Raymond for his unwavering sense of service.

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