[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 20, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H1274-H1275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING JOE BELMAN ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

  (Mr. GARCIA of Illinois asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Joe Belman of 
Joliet, Illinois, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
  Making it to the century mark is an accomplishment, but it is not 
just about how many years you live, it is about how you live them, and 
Joe has packed a lot in since 1924.
  Early in life, Joe worked on a farm, on the railroad, and on a 
steamboat in the Mississippi River. In 1943, Joe enlisted in the Army 
and served as a B-17 turret gunner during World War II where he flew 35 
combat missions.
  Joe became a decorated soldier and fought in a number of major 
battles in the European theater, including the Battle of the Bulge. Two 
years after returning from the war, he married his

[[Page H1275]]

wife, Irene, and they were together for 59 years.
  Joe has continued to serve our communities as a labor leader, through 
his involvement in civic and veteran organizations, and as a youth 
sports coach.
  Joe's dedication to our communities has earned him many awards and 
honors, and he continues to inspire the younger generations.
  Happy birthday to Joe Belman.

                          ____________________