[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 129 (Thursday, August 6, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E775]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING MARTIN JOSEPH ``JOE'' O'ROURKE

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. MIKE BOST

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 6, 2026

  Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Martin Joseph 
``Joe'' O'Rourke in celebration of his milestone 100th birthday and his 
years of dedicated service to his country.
  Joe was born July 21, 1926, in Marshall, Illinois. As the son of a 
World War I veteran, when Joe's time for service came, he readily 
answered the call. He enlisted on May 17, 1945, as a private in the 
United States Army during World War II.
  Joe achieved the rank of Technician Fourth Grade and was assigned to 
the 977th Signal Service Battalion. He was stationed in Italy and Iran, 
where he helped maintain strategic military communication systems and 
critical infrastructure. Joe was honorably discharged and awarded the 
Victory Medal and the Overseas Service Bar, before retuming home to 
Marshall.
  Joe married the love of his life, Inez Louise Remlinger, and with her 
support, went back to school and earned his GED. He and Inez would 
raise five sons: Bob, Tom, John, Gary, and Brian. God blessed the 
couple with 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating Martin Joseph ``Joe'' 
O'Rourke, a World War II veteran and devoted family man, for 100 years 
well lived.

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