[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 121 (Tuesday, July 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E671]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING W. DOUGLAS HOWLAND FOR HIS SERVICE
______
HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK
of new york
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish Mr. W. Douglas
Howland a happy 101st birthday and to thank him for his years of
service to his country and his community.
Douglas enlisted after graduating from high school in 1942 and served
in the Navy in World War II. For more than 3 and a half years, Douglas
served on the aircraft carrier Essex in the Pacific as a radioman on a
dive bomber. To this day, Douglas often shares stories of his time
during World War II and expresses great pride in having served his
country.
Beyond his service to his country, Douglas has been a leader in his
community in several ways. Following his time in the Navy, Douglas
attended St. Lawrence University, working part time on the railroad to
provide for his family. After graduating from St. Lawrence University,
Douglas continued to be an active member of his community. From 1962 to
1987, Douglas was a supervisor for the 9th Ward in the City of
Watertown. After serving 25 years on the Board of Supervisors of
Jefferson County, Douglas became Chairman of the Board in 1984 and was
involved in the expansion of Fort Drum. Douglas was also president of
the North Side Improvement League in the 1960s, during which he
emphasized the value of education which manifested through the
important role he played in the establishment of Jefferson Community
College. After its establishment, Douglas joined the Board of Trustees
for the college.
Douglas is also an active member in the Elks Club, the American
Legion. and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. At 100 years old, Douglas
remains sharp and curious, eager to stay up to date on current events
and follow elected officials on both a local and national scale.
Douglas has lived an extraordinary and admirable life, always dedicated
to serving those around him and being a leader to others.
On behalf of New York's 21st District. I am honored and excited to
celebrate W. Douglas Howland's 101st birthday and I thank him for his
brave service in the Navy as well as the years of public service that
followed.
____________________