[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, WORLD WAR II VETERAN CHUCK 
                         KUNES'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 2025

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
exceptional constituent from my district, Chuck Kunes. Throughout his 
life, Chuck has embodied a selfless and fearless spirit, resulting in a 
life rich in stories and memories. I commend Chuck for his service to 
our country and thank him for his great sacrifices and honorable 
legacy. As he celebrates his 100th birthday on February 27, 2025, I 
would like to recognize Chuck and wish happiness for him and his 
family.
  Chuck was born in Trenton, New Jersey to Jewish immigrants Sam and 
Doris (Weinstock) Kunes on February 27, 1925. He attended schools in 
Trenton and the Bronx and worked shining shoes to help support his 
family when his father passed away suddenly in 1935, when Chuck was 
only ten years old. At age 18, before he could be drafted for World War 
II, Chuck enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, attended boot 
camp in North Carolina, and then went to flight school in Maine, where 
he was trained as a flight mechanic.
  He was then sent to the South Pacific as part of VMF-214, most 
famously known as the ``Black Sheep Squadron,'' where he spent four 
years in Okinawa and China, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Following 
the service, Chuck attended the University of Illinois on the G.I. 
Bill, then moved to Levittown, Pennsylvania and spent the remainder of 
his life in Bucks County. He worked as an executive for the 3-M Company 
in Bristol for over 40 years.
  Chuck was an original owner in the Stony Brook section of Levittown, 
eventually moving to Quincy Hollow and then, finally, to Forsythia 
Gate, where he cared for his wife, Alma, and three children, Karen, 
Steven and Susan. To date, Chuck and Alma have been married for 71 
years.
  Chuck has spent a lifetime enjoying fishing, hunting, baking, and as 
a private pilot. Chuck also loves his visits to Parx Casino. His family 
is so very proud that Chuck has reached this milestone in his life. Our 
Nation owes Chuck a debt that can never be repaid. We wish Chuck 
countless blessings, and I remain deeply appreciative of Chuck Kunes 
for his life of service and sacrifice for our community, district, and 
country. His commitment to his fellow neighbors, veterans, and 
servicemembers alike is a testament to his character and spirit. I am 
more than honored to recognize him today and wish him nothing but the 
best for his 100th birthday and the future beyond.

                          ____________________