[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 206 (Thursday, December 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 2023 NORTHEAST WISCONSIN VETERAN OF THE YEAR, JOHN 
                               GILLESPIE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MIKE GALLAGHER

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 14, 2023

  Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Northeast 
Wisconsin's 2023 Veteran of the Year, John Gillespie.
  The Northeast Wisconsin Veteran of the Year is chosen annually by a 
selection committee of veteran and civilian community members. It 
recognizes veterans in Northeast Wisconsin who continue to demonstrate 
service, excellence, and dedication in all they do.
  John's service began in 1955 at the University of Wisconsin, where he 
first signed up as an ROTC student with the Army Corp of Engineers. His 
career of service would see him honorably discharged from the United 
States Army and rise to the rank of Captain in the United States Army 
Reserve. His service extended far beyond his time in uniform, however, 
as he was appointed to Gov. Tommy Thompson's Juvenile Justice 
Commission in 1991 and in 1992 to the National Child Labor Committee.
  A longtime resident of Northeast Wisconsin, John's service to our 
country and community went far beyond his time in uniform. In 1965, 
John and his wife Jan began the Rawhide Boys Ranch with the fundraising 
help and support of a quarterback some may know, Bart Starr. This 
support allowed John and Jan to help turn around the lives of numerous 
at-risk youth throughout Wisconsin. The ranch was more than just 
housing and mentor assistance for these youth. It became an integral 
part of the community, establishing a firefighting service that served 
the nearby municipalities at no charge. Today, through their car 
donation program, residential services, and youth counseling programs, 
they serve over 750 at-risk youth across Wisconsin. They operate 
several family services centers, three equine therapy centers, and over 
40 full-time therapists stationed at public high schools serving at-
risk youth.
  But John's commitment to our community went beyond the ranch. He 
dedicated much time and effort to projects like establishing Plamann 
Park, spent countless hours volunteering with American Legion Post 38 
in Appleton, where he is a 30-year member, and also spent years 
advocating for a local veteran whom he kept in contact with after his 
two years at Rawhide as a youth, Jerry Monson. He worked tirelessly to 
ensure Jerry received the VA benefits he deserved and went so far as to 
compile donations from local builders to get Jerry back on his feet 
after he found himself homeless. John enlisted the help of 45 local 
builders and suppliers to build Jerry a home free of charge.
  In every walk of his life, John and his family have led a life of 
selfless service and sacrifice. The lives he has changed through his 
work in our community can never be quantified. John continues to 
demonstrate the highest degree of service, dedication, and excellence 
in our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I once again congratulate John Gillespie for his service 
to Northeast Wisconsin and the veteran's community and for being the 
2023 Northeast Wisconsin Veteran of the Year. Northeast Wisconsin can 
be proud of the many great veterans who call Wisconsin's Eighth 
Congressional District home. I urge all colleagues to join me in 
recognizing these outstanding men and women.

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