[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 112 (Thursday, July 9, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING BILL FEELER

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JASON SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 9, 2026

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Mr. Bill Feeler of Rolla, Missouri, as he approaches his 
100th birthday this August after a lifetime of service to his community 
and our Nation.
  Shortly after turning 18, Mr. Feeler was drafted into the Army during 
the final days of World War II. Following basic training at Fort Knox, 
he served as a corporal in the Liberation of the Philippines. After the 
war's end, he was stationed in Japan, where he worked as a driver for 
an aide to General Douglas MacArthur. For his service, he received the 
Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and 
the World War II Victory Medal.
  After his honorable discharge in 1946, Mr. Feeler returned home to 
Rolla and resumed work on his family farm, exemplifying humility, 
dedication, and a deep commitment to hard work. In 1953, he married Ms. 
Geneva Giesler of Vienna, Missouri, and together they have built a 
strong family, including children, grandchildren, and great-
grandchildren.
  Today, he remains active in his community--making birdhouses, tending 
his garden, supporting Cardinals baseball, and volunteering through his 
church to deliver meals during the holidays. His advice to others is 
simple: ``Love your country and be more patriotic.''
  It is my privilege to recognize Mr. Feeler's extraordinary life of 
service, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his example as 
we approach our Nation's 250th anniversary.

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