[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15732]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


 IN HONOR OF MR. LARRY BINGER 28TH NATIONAL VETERANS' WHEELCHAIR GAMES 
                                ATHLETE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2008

  Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to recognize Mr. Larry Binger for his service and dedication as a 
veteran and accomplished wheelchair athlete. Mr. Binger is a disabled 
veteran who has become an enthusiastic competitor and an inspiration to 
the people of Delaware. As he has for the past twenty one years, he 
will serve as Delaware's lone representative at the twenty eighth 
National Veterans' Wheelchair Games in Omaha, Nebraska starting July 
25.
  Beginning in 1981, the Veteran's Affairs department and Paralyzed 
Veterans of America began the National Veterans' Wheelchair Games. The 
Games host nearly six hundred athletes from forty six states with the 
help of hundreds of sponsors. These athletes range from survivors of 
World War II to those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 
twenty five percent of the athletes have been disabled for more than 
twenty five years. The Games allow participants to compete in various 
sporting events despite their physical challenges.
  While serving in Vietnam, Mr. Binger injured his back working on his 
ship, the USS Shangri La. Following his injury, in order to stay 
active, Mr. Binger began competing in wheelchair marathons. He 
represents Delaware at the National Games in multiple events including 
javelin, discus, archery, bowling, trapshooting and various fishing 
events. Mr. Binger competes in the masters division of these events, 
with an excellent showing last year. In addition to his perseverance 
and rigorous training, Mr. Binger is passionately committed to serving 
other veterans. He has been a member of the Patriot Guard Riders for 
several years, considering it an honor to attend the funerals of fallen 
comrades. In competing as a disabled athlete, Mr. Binger strives to set 
an example that will give hope to both long-time and recently disabled 
veterans in the tri-state area. The highest commendations should be 
bestowed upon this devoted individual.
  I acknowledge and thank Mr. Larry Binger for his exceptional service 
to the Navy, our country, and now the community of Delaware. Our 
veterans here are truly privileged to have such an excellent competitor 
represent them in the National Veterans' Wheelchair Games. I am 
confident that Mr. Binger will continue to serve Delaware with honor. I 
wish him the best of luck at the Games next week and with all of his 
endeavors henceforth.

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