[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 181 (Thursday, November 2, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1044]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONOR FLIGHT OF SOUTHERN OREGON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CLIFF BENTZ

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 2, 2023

  Mr. BENTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Vietnam and Korean 
War Veterans from Oregon's Second Congressional District who, through 
the efforts of Honor Flight of Oregon, are visiting their memorials on 
the National Mall. When I meet these heroes, I am reminded of the 
enduring words of George S. Patton Jr., who said, ``The highest 
obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for 
one's country.'' These words, Mr. Speaker, still ring true today. Those 
who value liberty are indebted to these heroes, for each one of them 
defended our freedom through acts of service, sacrifice, and bravery on 
behalf of our country. It is my privilege to include in the Record 
their names.
  The Veterans on this Honor Flight from Oregon are: Joshua Alvarez, 
Army; Dennis Anderson, Navy; Thomas Beckley, Army; Jerry Chattier Sr, 
Marine Corps; Fred Conn, Marine Corps; David Cunningham, Navy; William 
Duncan, Army; Richard Gehrke, Navy/Marine Corps; Edward Goodman, Navy; 
Roger Haynes, Air Force/Army; Robert Howerton, Navy; Michael Hoffman, 
Navy; David Johnson, Army; Earl Kilpatrick, Air Force; Jesse Redding, 
Navy; Paul Lofland, Army; Robert Long, Marine Corps; Jesus Lopez, Air 
Force; Preton Manville II, Marine Corps; William Mathews, Army/Air 
Force; Lawrence Mixon Jr, Army; Charles Owen, Army; Robert Rammin, 
Army; Steven Rolston, Army; Loyd Thurman, Army; Jerry White, Army; and 
Otto J. Williman, Air Force. These heroes join over 260,000 Veterans, 
who since 2005, have been honored through the nationwide Honor Flight 
Network of volunteers. I would also like to recognize the volunteers 
and guardians traveling on this trip: Janet Wilkerson, and the 
guardians who have also served our country: Kathrine Berg, Army; Jody 
Williman III, Marine Corps.
  Mr. Speaker, in his 1983 Memorial Day address, Ronald Reagan said, 
``We are forever indebted to those who have given their lives that we 
might be free.'' As a nation, we must never take for granted the 
liberties we enjoy today, recognizing that these freedoms have been 
hard-won by the honor, commitment, and sacrifice of our Veterans. Each 
Member in this chamber and citizen in these United States should be 
humbled by the courage of the brave Veterans who voluntarily underwent 
the dangers necessary to preserve our country. Colleagues, please join 
me in thanking these Veterans and the volunteers of Honor Flight of 
Oregon for their remarkable service and devotion to our great country.

                          ____________________