[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 23, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H3562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING HENRY JOSEPH KOLINEK, JR.

  (Ms. De La Cruz of Texas was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Ms. De La CRUZ. Madam Speaker, today I rise to celebrate Mr. Henry 
Joseph Kolinek, Jr.'s 100th birthday on July 28.
  Born in 1925 in Gruene, Texas, Mr. Kolinek graduated from Kenedy High 
School before attending Texas A&M.
  After arriving to A&M, he was drafted into the Army Air Corps and 
served as a staff sergeant during World War II. He flew 35 combat 
missions as a tail gunner and courageously protected his fellow 
soldiers.
  After his service, Mr. Kolinek returned to Texas A&M and earned a 
degree in agricultural economics. He worked 15 years at Union Carbide 
before returning to his hometown to join First-Nichols National Bank.
  His dedication to the bank for over 37 years carried him from vice 
president to president, and finally, to chairman of the board. He 
retired at the young age of 80.
  Today, Mr. Kolinek remains active in his community and church, 
serving as a Rotarian and a member of the city council, member of the 
chamber of commerce, and sits on the Karnes County Airport board, as 
well.
  On his leisure time he is often found driving the tractor on his 
ranch. He is a very proud father, grandfather, and a great-grandfather, 
as well.
  Happy 100th birthday to Mr. Kolinek. I thank him for his service to 
our great Nation and to his beautiful community. May God bless him and 
his family. Happy birthday.

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