[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17408]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CHARLES YOUNG

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
true American Hero, Charles Milton Young, who recently passed away at 
the age of 91. I am honored to recognize Charlie's brave and 
commendable service to the United States of America. Charlie Young 
proudly served our Nation in World War II as a United States Marine in 
1944-1945. During his service, he sustained a severe injury during the 
battle of Okinawa, leading to a 9-month hospitalization. In fact, he 
distinguished himself in combat so greatly that he was awarded the 
Purple Heart and the Excellence in Service medals. There is nothing 
nobler than answering the call to serve your country. His actions are a 
true testament to his patriotism. It is always sad when we lose a hero; 
however, it also brings us hope when we remember men of the Greatest 
Generation, like Charlie, who have walked among us.
  Charlie was a dedicated family man, having been married to his wife 
Hazel for 72 years. He was also the proud father of four children, 17 
grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. 
Charlie and Hazel met and married in Beeville, Texas and later moved to 
Corpus Christi to raise their family. In 1960 they moved permanently to 
their lake home in Mathis, Texas. It is an honor to remember Charlie as 
a courageous soldier who risked his life for the American dream but it 
is also an even greater honor to recognize him as an honorable Texan, 
dedicated citizen, and a loving father, grandfather and husband.
  There is no such thing as former Marine; once Marines leave the 
military they are still Marines in heart and soul and patriotic zeal. 
It is true that once a Marine always a Marine. Charlie was proud to be 
a Marine, so much so that as he said his final goodbyes to family 
members, his last words to his son-in-law, Maj. Joseph R. Ellis 
(retired USMC) was ``Semper Fi, my son, Semper Fi'' as he shook his 
fist with all the strength he could muster. There is nothing like a 
U.S. Marine. They are a breed of their own.
  On September 28, 2010 PFC Milton Young, USMC was laid to rest with 
Full Marine Honor Guard detail with a 21-gun salute and taps. I am 
honored to remember the life and memory of a Texas hero. He will 
forever remain a hero in the eyes of his family, his friends, his 
community, and his country. Semper Fi, Charlie Young. Semper Fi.
  And that's just the way it is.

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