[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 97 (Friday, June 7, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E603]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING GENE GERRARD'S 102ND BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. CLAUDIA TENNEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 7, 2024

  Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I use today to recognize the amazing life of 
United States Coast Guard Veteran Eugene ``Gene'' Gerrard, who recently 
celebrated his 102nd birthday.
  Gene, like many from the ``Greatest Generation'' wanted to begin his 
military career before reaching enlistment age but had to wait and 
finally enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1942. Gene served in the Coast 
Guard until 1945, where he attained the rank of Quartermaster First 
Class. For his service, he earned an American Campaign Medal, an 
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, a World War II 
Victory Medal, and a Philippine Liberation Medal.
  Previous to his enlistment, Gene worked as a printer by day and 
attended trade school by night in Brooklyn, New York. After his 
military service, Gene started his own printing business in Elmont, New 
York. Gene owned Gerrard Printing from 1951 to 1965, and St. Gerrard 
Printing in Port Jefferson Station, New York, from 1965 to 2013.
  Gene was also a dedicated public servant, having been elected as town 
councilman for 22 years. Gene also contributed to the Mount Sinai Fire 
Department for 50 years as its chief, chaplain, and fire police 
captain. He founded the Mt. Sinai Fire Department Benevolent 
Association and the Brookhaven Volunteer Firefighters Museum.
  Currently, Gene resides in the Town of Canandaigua in Ontario County, 
New York with his daughter, Pam Rushack. At 102 years old, Gene still 
gives back to the community by attending events, giving invocations, 
and leading in the Pledge of Allegiance. Most notably, Gene has served 
as a Red Coat Ambassador to the Canandaigua VA, where he has done so 
the last seven years.
  Gene Gerrard is an exceptional community member whose devotion to his 
country and his community is truly inspiring. It brings me great joy to 
know Gene. I am thrilled to recognize him for his many accomplishments 
and wish him a very happy 102nd birthday.

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