[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 26688-26689]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF HANK MASON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVAN PEARCE

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 2003

  Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Hank Mason of 
Los Lunas, New Mexico for his distinguished service to our country 
during the Vietnam War. Mr. Mason is a great American, and recognition 
for his service to our country is long overdue. I thank him for his 
commitment to freedom and the sacrifices he endured while serving in 
Vietnam.
  Mason earned, but never received, several war and service medals from 
the United States Army for his 3 years of service, including a tour in 
Vietnam. Mason says he has made many attempts for more than 3 decades

[[Page 26689]]

to receive the medals that were due to him, with no avail. On Saturday, 
October 25, 2003, I was proud to present Mr. Mason with the military 
service medals he has been waiting for more than 34 years.
  We must always recognize the men and women of our Armed Forces who 
have valiantly defended our American values throughout our Nation's 
history. These remarkable individuals have helped to make America 
secure and have advanced the cause of freedom worldwide. By answering 
the call of duty, our veterans have risked their lives to protect their 
fellow countrymen. Individuals like Hank Mason have inspired our Nation 
with their courage, patriotism and dedication.

                          ____________________