[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 144 (Monday, September 14, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4652-S4653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING AL LABELLE

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to honor the life of Al 
Labelle, a dedicated servicemember who held an unwavering lifelong 
commitment to the advancement of veterans' services. Wisconsin mourns 
his loss, and his service and legacy will be remembered for years to 
come.
  Mr. Labelle served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Okinawa (LPH-3) 
from 1965 to 1967. The USS Okinawa deployed to the Vietnam war zone in 
1967, and during that deployment, Mr. Labelle participated in nine 
amphibious landing operations. Mr. Labelle was honorably discharged 
from Active service but continued his service in the Naval Reserves 
until 1972.

[[Page S4653]]

  After returning home, Mr. Labelle's commitment to serving others did 
not waver. While his career was diverse, his work remained rooted in 
his desire to connect with and serve others. From caring for patients 
as a respiratory therapist, to working as an assistant manager of 
warehouse operations and even owning a bowling alley, Mr. Labelle's 
professional life reflected his tireless work ethic. Throughout these 
endeavors, he remained a steadfast advocate for his fellow veterans.
  For more than 20 years, Mr. Labelle was a dedicated leader of the 
Disabled American Veterans DAV, at the local, State, and national 
levels. He joined the DAV in 2005, becoming a life member of Chapter 57 
in Marshfield. He held numerous leadership positions, including 
benefits protection team leader and chairman of the national interim 
legislation committee. His advocacy often brought him to our Nation's 
Capital, where he fought to ensure that our country's veterans received 
the support and services they earned.
  His lifetime of advocacy for veterans was nationally recognized when 
he received the DAV Outstanding Performance in Advocacy Award for 7 
consecutive years. Mr. Labelle's determination to fight for veterans 
was easy to see, and his impact will be felt by veterans and their 
families for years to come. I was fortunate to see Mr. Labelle's 
dedication firsthand through my work with him, and I know Wisconsin's 
veterans were fortunate to have a champion like him in their corner.
  Veterans in Wisconsin and across the country have benefited from Mr. 
Labelle's devoted advocacy, and I am grateful for his lifetime of 
service. His legacy will live on through the veterans and families he 
helped and the countless people he inspired throughout his life.

                          ____________________