[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 180 (Wednesday, November 1, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1038-E1039]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING CVSOA PRESIDENT BRUCE WILBER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MIKE GALLAGHER

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 1, 2023

  Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Bruce A. Wilber, 
who has dedicated his life to serving both his country and his 
community. Mr. Wilber's journey is one of resilience, dedication, and 
unwavering commitment to those he serves.
  Born in June 1957 on the Menominee Indian Reservation in Keshana, 
Wisconsin, Mr. Wilber emerged as a beacon of leadership, being the 
oldest of seven children. His father's legacy as a Korean War veteran 
instilled in him a profound sense of duty to his country and eventually 
inspired him to join the military. After answering the call to serve, 
Bruce Wilber became a motor transport operator stationed in Caserma 
Ederle, a base in Livorno, Italy.
  Upon concluding his military service, Mr. Wilber transitioned to the 
civilian sector, where he contributed to the logging industry and later 
served in law enforcement. Unfortunately, his law enforcement career 
was cut short due to an injury. However, this setback did not deter 
him. Mr. Wilber's tenacity shone through as he pursued an associate 
degree in alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) counseling from the 
College of Menominee Nation.
  His journey took a significant turn as he assumed the role of an AODA 
counselor at the Maehnowesekiyah Wellness Center, the treatment 
facility for the Menominee Nation. In this capacity, he was 
instrumental in establishing and maintaining mental and physical 
wellness programs for veterans and members of the Menominee Tribe for a 
decade. At each stop in his career, he continued to serve a greater 
purpose and those around him.
  In August 2016, Mr. Wilber became the Tribal Veterans Service Officer 
(TVSO) and a County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) for the Menominee 
Nation and Menominee County, respectively. He extended his service by 
joining the Wisconsin County Veterans Service Officers Association 
(CVSOA), a vital organization that represents all 11 recognized tribes 
and 72 counties in Wisconsin.
  After several years as a CVSO, it is with great pride that we 
acknowledge Mr. Wilber's election as the first Native American 
president of the State County Veterans Service Officer Association 
(CVSOA). I am sure that with his experience and unwavering dedication 
to the veteran's community, Mr. Wilber will excel in this new role.
  Mr. Wilber's dedication also extends to his family, having celebrated 
30 years of marriage and having raised seven children. The Wilber 
family's sacrifices have been profound, including the loss of a son who 
served with the Marines in Iraq and tragically passing away in an

[[Page E1039]]

accident at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Mr. Wilber carries the memory 
of his son in his heart and draws inspiration from his son's legacy to 
continue being a positive role model for others.
  I am proud that my office has been able to work with Bruce in his 
role as TVSO and CVSO. It is an incredible honor to recognize and 
celebrate the accomplishments of Bruce as he continues to make a 
profound impact on the lives of our veterans, the Menominee tribe, 
Northeast Wisconsin, and our country.

                          ____________________