[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 195 (Tuesday, November 28, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING MICHAEL MITROKA'S 100TH BIRTHDAY AND SERVICE TO OUR NATION

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 28, 2023

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Michael Mitroka, 
a longtime resident of Southgate, MI and veteran of the Second World 
War, on the occasion of his 100th birthday. His service to our country 
is worthy of commendation.
  Born on November 20, 1923, Michael enlisted in the Army as a Private 
in May of 1943. Over the next two and a half years of service he would 
traverse the Pacific, seeing combat in places like New Guinea and the 
Philippines. The Japanese conquest of the Philippines just a couple of 
years earlier was one of the worst military defeats in U.S. military 
history, and the retaking of the islands, though sure to be a long and 
hard affair, was a point of pride for General MacArthur and the Army. 
By the time Michael left the Army as a Sergeant in December of 1945, he 
had earned the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, a good conduct medal, a 
purple heart, and two bronze stars, awarded for ``heroic or meritorious 
service in a combat zone.''
  Michael carried on his service after the war by working in his local 
school district. He retired in 1985 as the Supervisor of Maintenance, 
Custodial, and Transportation after 35 years with the Southgate School 
District. Michael married his wife, Rosemary, just a few weeks before 
his discharge from the Army in 1945. Though Rosemary passed away in 
1994, her legacy carries on in their two sons, Paul and Michael Jr., 
three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Still an active 
member of his current and former community, Michael is a member of St. 
Aloysius-Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Royaltown, IL, the American 
Legion Post 975 in Dowell, IL, and the Knights of Columbus Council Post 
3965 in Southgate, MI.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 
100th birthday of Michael Mitroka. A veteran who served our country 
with honor and bravery during our darkest hours eighty years ago, he 
spent the last eight decades continuing that service within his local 
community and uplifting those around him. As we celebrate the milestone 
of a centennial, Michael should know that he is appreciated and valued 
by his family, friends, community, and nation. We thank him for his 
service, and wish him a 101st year filled with laughter, love, and many 
blessings. I thank Michael.

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