[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 60 (Monday, March 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E289-E290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF COLONEL JAMES E. McCLOSKEY, USMC, RETIRED ON 
                   NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 30, 2026

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National 
Vietnam War Veterans Day to honor an extraordinary constituent from my 
district, Colonel James E. McCloskey, United States Marine Corps 
(Retired), who served with distinction and honor during the Vietnam 
War.
  Colonel McCloskey began his service in 1965 when he joined the United 
States Marine Corps and was an Honor Graduate from the Officer 
Candidate Course. In 1969, he began his first deployment to Vietnam, 
where he served in a Marine Reconnaissance Unit. During the was, 
Colonel McCloskey carried immense responsibility at a young age, being 
responsible for not only mission critical tasks such as training local 
militias, but also the lives of his own men. He made decisions under 
pressure that would shape the lives of those under his command, and in 
doing so earned their trust and respect. By the time he left Vietnam, 
he had been awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.
  After completing his service with the Marine Corps, Colonel McCloskey 
transferred to the United States Army Reserve. During his time in the 
Reserve, he served in many significant positions including Battalion 
and Brigade Command. In 1999, he retired after over 30 years of service 
to our Nation. For his service. he was awarded the Legion of Merit 
Medal. His over three decades of service reflect not only personal 
bravery, but a deep commitment to the servicemembers he led and to each 
mission entrusted to him. In the face of uncertainty and hardship, 
Colonel McCloskey demonstrated the leadership and resolve that defines 
our armed forces.
  Even after his service in country, Colonel McCloskey never forgot the 
Vietnamese people that he had grown close to. He has returned to 
Vietnam several times, often at his own expense, to act as a diplomat, 
volunteer, and teacher. He volunteered as a teacher at Vietnamese 
universities, teaching International Marketing. He made frequent trips 
to the State Department to help guide our diplomats in their 
understanding of the Vietnamese people. Most significantly, he helped 
found an orphanage run by nuns, which he spends the majority of his 
visits repairing, building additions, and serving as a mentor to the 
orphans. Through these efforts, Colonel McCloskey transformed the 
legacy of the war into one of reconciliation, education, and hope.
  As we pay tribute to all of our Nation's servicemembers who bravely 
answered the call of duty in Vietnam, we thank Colonel McCloskey for 
his leadership, service, and enduring commitment to preserving the 
legacy of

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his fellow Vietnam Veterans. May we always remember the sacrifices of 
his generation, and may we remain forever grateful.

                          ____________________