[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 1, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING 100TH BIRTHDAY OF LEONARD MESSINEO

  (Mr. Bean of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to take you back 100 years 
to the year 1925. ``The Great Gatsby'' had just been published. In this 
very Chamber, the House voted to authorize the construction of Mount 
Rushmore. Entertainment legend Dick Van Dyke was born.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 100th birthday of someone 
else born that same year, 1925, an American hero named Leonard Messineo 
of Amelia Island, Florida. Born on April 30, 1925, Len served bravely 
in World War II with the Army's 20th Armored Division. In April 1945, 
just days before the war in Europe ended, his unit fought through heavy 
resistance, helped liberate the Dachau concentration camp, and 
patrolled Hitler's vacated Eagle's Nest.
  Hitler took his own life on Len's 20th birthday; and Len proudly 
marks his birthday each year, saying that he celebrates April 30 for 
Hitler's demise.
  After the war, Len earned an engineering degree on the GI Bill and 
built a successful career in manufacturing, including for the U.S. 
Army. He later became an award-winning nature photographer.
  Len's greatest legacy is his family which includes two daughters, Deb 
and Lynn, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and even a 
grand-dog named Charlie.
  We wish Len a happy 100th birthday. We thank him for his service, his 
life, and his enduring example. May God continue to bless him.


                 Celebrating the Retirement of Don Fann

  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, when you are lost, you need to find 
the way. In Clay County, Florida, when you need medical care and don't 
know where to turn, you need to find The Way Free Medical Clinic.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the retirement 
of Mr. Don Fann who served as executive director of The Way Free 
Medical Clinic from 2017 to 2024.
  When Don first joined The Way Clinic in 2017 as interim director, his 
task was clear. It was to stabilize a struggling organization and 
ensure its continued service to those most in need. Not only, Mr. 
Speaker, did he meet that challenge but he also exceeded every 
expectation.
  Through his tireless efforts to secure funding, forge partnerships, 
and implement sustainable programs, Don guided the clinic through a 
time of transformation. Today, the brand new Way Free Medical Clinic 
building offers both medical and dental services to countless 
individuals who otherwise would go without.
  Don's professional success is only matched by his personal 
dedication. Don consistently placed the needs of others above his own. 
His empathy, resilience, and quiet determination inspired those around 
him to become hallmarks of the clinic's culture. His values of service, 
compassion, and hope are now woven into the very identity of The Way 
Free Medical Clinic.
  As Don Fann retires, I join many in thanking him for his years of 
outstanding service and leadership. May the next chapter of his life be 
filled with the same purpose, joy, and generosity that defined him and 
his time at The Way Free Medical Clinic. We are proud of him.

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