[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 33 (Friday, February 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E172-E173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING MR. FRANK BEBEREIA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 23, 2024

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mr. Frank 
Bebereia on his 100th birthday and thank him for his service to our 
Nation. Mr. Bebereia was born in Laton, California on February 22nd, 
1924 to Emily Gonzalez and Manuel Bebereia. He grew up in the Central 
Valley and attended Lemoore High School. Following his graduation, Mr. 
Laton spent time as a farmer in Hanford before being drafted to serve 
in World War II. After completing Army boot camp in 1945, he was 
deployed to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. During his service, Mr. 
Bebereia was a member of the 43rd Engineer Construction Battalion, 27th 
Division. He served in Okinawa, Japan as a Heavy Equipment Operator and 
quickly moved up the leadership ranks--even being promoted to Sergeant 
after only 7 months of deployment. Mr. Bebereia received in many awards 
and recognitions to honor his service during the war, including the 
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of 
Occupation Medal, and Army Good Conduct Medal. His fellow soldiers 
often spoke about their time serving with Mr. Bebereia, remembering him 
as a capable, strong, and fearless leader. Mr. Bebereia was honorably 
discharged from the U.S. Army in 1946. Following his service in the 
war, Mr. Bebereia returned to the Central Valley where he's spent most 
of his life. Today, we honor Mr. Bebereia's service to our country, 
commitment to his family, and dedication to the Kings County community. 
Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join me in honoring the incredible life of Mr. Frank Bebereia and 
wishing him a happy 100th birthday.

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