[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 173 (Friday, October 20, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING HAROLD L. GOMER FOR HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 20, 2023

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize and 
celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 100th birthday of Harold L. 
Gomer, a Navy Veteran who embodies dedication, service, and love.
  At the age of 7, Harold's father passed away and his mother and 5 
siblings relocated to Austin, Minnesota. Harold would spend the next 86 
years of his life in this new city and would grow to become an example 
to many.
  Education played a significant role in shaping Harold's character--he 
graduated from Austin High School, where he participated in wrestling 
and Golden Glove Boxing. He excelled in his extracurriculars and 
eventually became a District Flyweight Champion, showcasing both his 
talent and tenacity.
  On November 6, 1942, Harold bravely answered the call to serve his 
country. He left his job to join the United States Navy, where he 
served as Coxswain aboard the USS Ammen in the Pacific theater for 3 
years. His unwavering dedication and service enabled him to serve on 
the USS Logic Minesweeper for an additional year before being honorably 
discharged.
  Once returning to Austin, he resumed his employment at Hormel Meats, 
where he spent the following 40 years exhibiting dedication to his work 
and his community.
  After returning home from defending our country, Mr. Gomer married 
his childhood sweetheart, Shirley Mae Greenlee. Their family grew with 
the addition of their 4 children: Patricia, Mark, Cheri, and Pamela. 
Over the years, the family has grown to include 9 grandchildren, 15 
great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. In 2016, 
following the death of his wife, Harold moved to Orange County, 
California to live with his daughter Pam. Since relocating to Orange 
County, he has been enjoying retirement, occasionally going dancing and 
visiting Las Vegas.
  Since then, he has discovered happiness in dancing and enjoying the 
company of his family and friends. Harold's relentless dedication to 
his country and community is highlighted throughout his life, from his 
2 years as commander of American Legion Post 91 and his 40 years of 
dedication to the Funeral Escort, to his 20 years of cooking for stag 
nights and his more than 30 years of bar management. These experiences 
show he is a leader who gives back to others.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing heartfelt 
congratulations and honoring Harold Gomer's character, service, and 
love for his community as we wish him a happy 100th birthday.

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