[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 20 (Monday, February 5, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





              HONORING LIEUTENANT COLONEL ELZA PERRY, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 5, 2024

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Lieutenant Colonel Elza Perry, Jr., a true American hero who served in 
the United States Air Force, who recently passed away at age 90.
  Before his military service, Lt. Col. Elza Perry, Jr. was born in 
Gorman, Texas as the only child of Elza, Sr, and Myrtle Perry. Lt. Col. 
Elza Perry, Jr. demonstrated his aptitude for leadership while a 
student at De Leon High School, where he was the president of the Class 
of 1950, valedictorian, and captain of the football team. After 
graduating from De Leon High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor's 
degree from North Texas State College and an MBA from Michigan State 
University.
  Lt. Col. Elza Perry, Jr. distinguished himself as a 22-year Airman, 
obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serving in Germany, 
Okinawa, Vietnam, Taiwan, Florida, California, and five years at the 
Pentagon. During his military service in the Air Force, he served 
honorably in various positions, such as weapons director, commander, 
inspector, and instructor. In Vietnam, Lt. Col. Elza Perry, Jr. served 
as a battle commander at an aircraft control center near Danang and 
stayed in the country until January 27, 1973. His honorable leadership 
earned him the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air 
Force Commendation Medal.
  After retiring from the Air Force at Norton Air Force Base, Lt. Col. 
Elza Perry, Jr. decided to remain in Southern California and dedicated 
himself to his work as the Director of Vehicle Services and Assistant 
County Administrator. He later retired in 1991 and lived in Redlands, 
California for many years before settling in Calimesa, California in 
1998. As a retired veteran, Elza spent the remainder of his life with 
his wife Bonnie in a retirement community in Calimesa where he 
continued showing his leadership through acts of service for his 
friends and neighbors. He enjoyed taking exercise classes and was an 
avid fan of the L.A. Dodgers and Angels.
  Lt. Col. Perry, Jr. is survived by his wife of 34 years, Bonnie; two 
stepsons, Captain Robert Perry, USN (Ret.) and Ralph Perry; two 
daughters, Reverend Karin Kaye and Barbara Perry; two stepdaughters, 
Susan Reidel and Jackie Filbeck; and eight grandchildren and six great-
grandchildren.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and commemorating the 
life, legacy, and service of Lieutenant Colonel Elza Perry, Jr.

                          ____________________