[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 44 (Monday, March 10, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   HONORING RICHARD F. CAMACHO FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE TO HIS 
                COUNTRY, COMMUNITY, AND FELLOW VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 10, 2025

  Ms. BROWNLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with profound respect and 
admiration to honor Richard F. Camacho for his exceptional leadership 
and tireless dedication to the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County. For 
nearly four decades, Richard has selflessly served his fellow veterans, 
ensuring that their sacrifices are not only recognized but deeply 
honored. His unwavering commitment to this mission has left an 
indelible mark on our community, and it has been a true privilege for 
me to work alongside Richard over the years, witnessing his dedication, 
passion, and respect for his fellow veterans.
  Richard's journey of service began in 1966 when he was drafted into 
the United States Marine Corps. A proud son of Santa Monica, Richard 
answered the call to duty, joining the Second Recon Battalion at Camp 
Lejeune after completing training with Honor Platoon 136 at Marine 
Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. In 1967, he deployed to Vietnam with the 
1st Battalion, 4th Marines, where he displayed extraordinary courage in 
combat. During Operation Chamberland that August, Richard was wounded 
by a grenade explosion. For his heroism and sacrifice, he was awarded 
numerous military honors, including the Purple Heart.
  After his honorable discharge in 1968, Richard returned home and 
began to focus on serving his fellow brothers and sisters in uniform. 
In 1968, he co-founded the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County, an 
organization dedicated to providing support, advocacy, and recognition 
for local veterans. Over the years, Richard has served in virtually 
every leadership capacity within the organization, including as 
President, and has worked tirelessly to ensure that all veterans 
receive the care, respect, and recognition they deserve.
  Under Richard's leadership, the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County 
has achieved remarkable milestones, including bringing The Moving 
Wall--a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 
Washington, D.C.--to Ventura County eight times, allowing thousands of 
community members to honor and reflect on the sacrifices made by those 
who served. Additionally, Richard was instrumental in the dedication of 
the Ventura County Veterans Memorial Highway, ensuring that the 
contributions of our veterans will never be forgotten.
  Richard has also been a steadfast advocate for veterans in need of 
assistance, working to help them navigate the complex process of 
securing benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and 
the Ventura County Veterans Services Office. His compassion and 
commitment have directly improved the lives of countless veterans and 
their families, ensuring they receive the care and services they have 
earned.
  As a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I have had 
the honor of working with Richard and collaborating with him to improve 
healthcare access for our veterans. Richard was an invaluable partner 
in the establishment of the Captain Rosemary Bryant Mariner VA 
Outpatient Clinic, which opened in 2022. His dedication to this project 
helped expand access to healthcare for our region's veterans, ensuring 
they receive the timely and high-quality care they deserve.
  In addition to his work on behalf of veterans, Richard has been 
deeply committed to educating future generations about the Vietnam War 
and its lasting effects. He has brought veterans into local classrooms, 
of sharing their stories with students, and has sponsored annual 
college scholarships for Ventura County high school students, helping 
to pave the way for their future success.
  Personally, I have the deepest respect for Richard--not only for his 
service to our country but for the kind of person he is. His integrity, 
selflessness, and unwavering dedication to our veterans, our community, 
and our country make him a remarkable leader. It has been a privilege 
to work alongside him and see firsthand the lasting impact of his 
efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, today, I join a grateful community in recognizing 
Richard F. Camacho for his exceptional leadership, tireless advocacy, 
and lifetime of service to the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County. He 
is a hero, a mentor, and a true friend to all of us, and his ongoing 
legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

                          ____________________