[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17038]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            IN HONOR OF MASTER SERGEANT ARTHUR C. AGPALASIN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 21, 2005

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of United 
States Army Master Sergeant Arthur C. Agpalasin who served our country 
for 33 years, earning many medals as a result of his bravery and 
dedication. He passed away peacefully on July 13, 2005, in the company 
of his family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Shirley and nine 
children.
  Enlisted in 1940, MSG Agpalasin saw combat duty in World War II, the 
Korean war and the Vietnam war. Despite being wounded and captured as a 
POW during the Bataan campaign, MSG Agpalasin continued his military 
service to the United States through covert guerrilla operations 
against the occupying forces. During the Korean war, MSG Agpalasin 
participated in and survived the Inchon landing. He was wounded and 
captured as a POW at Hagaru ri but successfully escaped his captors.
  In 1961, MSG Agpalasin continued his service to our country as a 
Drill Instructor at Fort Ord. He trained countless young soldiers for 
the war in Vietnam and in 1969, he joined his soldiers for what would 
be his final combat tour of duty.
  Upon retiring from the U.S. Army, MSG Agpalasin continued his spirit 
of service by becoming involved in various community and civic 
organizations including the Fort Ord Retiree Council.
  Mr. Speaker I wish to honor this man for his relentless commitment 
and service to our country, as well as his contribution as a role model 
for younger troops. Long into his retirement, MSG Agpalasin often 
visited the Defense Language Institute, DLI, located in Monterey Bay 
where he became a mentor and a heroic example for the soldiers. He was 
recently honored by the DLI troops at a picnic for war veterans for his 
utmost dedication to the core tenets of the U.S. Army. His 
contributions will be remembered and appreciated by citizens and his 
legacy will serve as an inspiration to future generations of soldiers.

                          ____________________