[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 10, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E21]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING PFC JAMES FRANCIS PLOG

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of New York

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 10, 2024

  Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Marine 
Corps veteran James Francis Plog.
  James Plog was born in Poughkeepsie, New York on October 10, 1926. He 
was raised in Schenectady where he attended school before enlisting in 
the U.S. Marine Corps on June 6, 1944. James served in the Pacific 
Theater, participating in the occupation of Japan from September 22, 
1945 to June 15, 1946. He remained at Camp Lejeune until his honorable 
discharge on August 19, 1946, at the rank of Private First Class. For 
his service, PFC Plog was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Honorable 
Discharge Button, and achieved the Rifle Marksman qualification.
  Returning to civilian life, James pursued an education, a career, and 
a family. He married his wife, Dorothy ``Dot'' Plog on October 25, 
1947. Together, the couple had three children, James, Keith, and Paula. 
After his discharge from the Marine Corps, James began work as a 
herdsman and farm manager for the Vanderbilts' farm in Williamstown, 
Massachusetts, before returning to Cobleskill, New York to study 
agriculture for his own pursuits. He chartered two dairy farms of his 
own, a Jersey farm in East Greenwich and a Holstein farm in Easton. 
James eventually sold his herds and began working for General Electric 
Silicones in Waterford until his retirement in September 1990.
  When he was not working, James remained an avid hobbyist and a 
dedicated member of the veteran community. He enjoyed golfing, metal 
detecting, fishing, and learning new skills such as playing the piano 
and using computers. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Marine Corps League Detachment in 
Troy. He participated in local events and parades, including the Uncle 
Sam's Flag Day Parade. He loved spending time with his children, five 
grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and his German Shepherd Helga.
  On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to 
recognize PFC James Plog.

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