[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 24]
[Senate]
[Page 33304]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                REMEMBERING CHARLES E. ``BUTCH'' JOECKEL

 Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the loss of 
Vietnam veteran Charles E. ``Butch'' Joeckel, who was buried yesterday 
with military honors at the Columbarium in Arlington National Cemetery.
  Butch was raised in Colmar Manor, MD, graduating from Bladensburg 
High School in 1965. In 1966 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and 
fought for his country in Vietnam. He was seriously wounded during the 
Tet Offensive in 1968, losing both of his legs above the knees. For his 
heroic service, Butch received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple 
Heart, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Valor, and numerous 
meritorious citations, medals, and honors.
  Butch's service to his country did not end in Vietnam. He became a 
national service officer for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and 
in 1988 he rose to the position of DAV national adjutant, serving in 
this capacity until 1993. He served on the board of directors of Help 
Disabled War Veterans, and contributed his time, wise counsel, and 
strong efforts to the President's Task Force to Improve Access to 
Health Care for our Nation's Veterans at the National Veterans Legal 
Services Program. In 2004 he was appointed to the Veterans' Disability 
Benefits Commission.
  Butch was an inspiration to all who knew him, and especially for 
those who were disabled. He accepted the heavy responsibility of ``role 
model'' for disabled war veterans with grace, dignity, and a special 
twinkle of humor.
  For all of his selfless service to his country, Butch's family always 
came first. He is survived by his wife Dianne; his three children, 
Chuck, Tammy and Scott; his father, Charles, Sr.; his sister and 
brother-in-law; three sisters-in-law; 11 nieces and nephews; and seven 
grandchildren.
  Butch was an American patriot who believed in his country and fought 
for his country and the veterans who built it. America owes him our 
thanks for his contributions and sacrifices. Our country lost an 
American original, who will be missed by many.

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