[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 8, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING EDGAR CARL WILKE ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

  (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true 
American hero, World War II veteran Edgar Carl Wilke, as he celebrates 
his 100th birthday. A native Buffalonian and longtime resident of West 
Seneca, New York, Mr. Wilke served our Nation with courage and 
distinction during World War II.
  Enlisting from his hometown, he joined the 24th Infantry Division of 
the 24th Regiment, achieving the rank of Private First Class. During 
his service in the Pacific theater, Mr. Wilke displayed extraordinary 
bravery, earning the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic actions.
  While fighting in the Philippines, he was gravely wounded by an enemy 
grenade so severely that those awarding him the Purple Heart believed 
he would not survive. After enduring months in the hospital, he 
returned home where Mr. Wilke built a life of love and dedication 
alongside his beloved wife, Joan, until her passing in 2014.
  Through it all, Mr. Wilke has remained a man of deep faith, trusting 
in God and embracing the simple joys of life.
  In addition to the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, Mr. Wilke has been 
honored with numerous commendations, including the American Campaign 
Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze service 
stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, 
and the Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar.
  As Mr. Wilke celebrates this incredible milestone surrounded by five 
generations of family, we are reminded that the freedoms we cherish 
were secured by the courage and sacrifice of patriots like him.
  His life is a testament to resilience, service, and an unwavering 
love for the country and community he calls home.
  Western New York and the United States of America are better because 
of him, and it is an honor to celebrate his incredible story.
  On behalf of the people of western New York and a grateful nation, we 
wish Mr. Wilke a very happy 100th birthday and many more years to come. 
I thank Mr. Wilke for his service, and may his century of life continue 
to be an inspiration to us all.


    Congratulating the University at Buffalo Women's Basketball Team

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I have the distinct honor 
of congratulating the University at Buffalo women's basketball team on 
their incredible victory in the women's NIT championship this past 
weekend.
  On April 5, before a packed and energized Alumni Arena, the UB Bulls 
women's basketball team triumphed over Troy 88-84 accomplishing 
something few teams get to do: end their season with a championship 
win.
  This moment marked the deepest postseason run in the history of UB 
basketball, men's or women's. However, this is more than just a win; 
this is a legacy in the making.
  UB guard Lani Cornfield, a proud member of the Seneca Nation Indians 
and alum of Lake Shore High School, said it best: This just put Buffalo 
back on the map.
  I extend a heartfelt congratulations to each of the players on this 
remarkable team:
  Mallory Daly, Noelani Cornfield, Sitota Gines, Kirsten Lewis-
Williams, Paula Lopez, Makenna Shaffer, Ariana Seawell, Caylen Spano, 
Terah Harness, Jordyn Beaty, and Chellia Watson.
  I also recognize the coaching staff that has helped shape this 
program into a powerhouse and who continue the proud tradition of UB 
women's basketball: Head Coach Becky Burke, Associate Head Coach Jacey 
Brooks, Assistant Coach James Ewing, Assistant Coach Erin Sinnott, 
Director of Basketball Operations Allese Williams, and Vice President 
and Director of Athletics Mark Alnutt.
  As UB guard Chellia Watson, who scored 23 points in the final game, 
put it: The key to victory was defense and grit, just not giving up, 
and showing we have got all the fight in the world.
  Now, that is the Buffalo way.
  This team's journey reminds us all what is possible when talent, 
opportunity, and unwavering determination come together. These young 
women are not just champions; they are role models inspiring the next 
generation of female athletes and showing young people in our community 
what can be achieved through dedication, resilience, and teamwork.
  On behalf of western New York and our great Nation, I offer our 
heartfelt congratulations. We are proud, we are inspired, and we can't 
wait to see this incredible team in action next year defending their 
title.
  Go Bulls.

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