[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8526]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO MR. WALDESTRUDIS ``WALTER'' TORRES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 2010

  Mr. SERRANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer tribute to Mr. 
Waldestrudis ``Walter'' Torres, a Puerto Rican Vietnam War hero from my 
district who recently passed away at the age of 62. Walter was a brave 
and committed man. He honored himself and his country on the 
battlefields of Vietnam before returning home to lead a quiet life of 
civil service. He spent nearly four decades in service to others, as 
both soldier and civilian.
  Walter was born in Coamo, Puerto Rico, on April 10, 1947. In 1967, at 
the age of 20, Walter joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was soon sent to 
Vietnam. Like so many of the more than 48,000 Puerto Ricans who served 
during Vietnam, Walter distinguished himself in combat. For courage and 
bravery, Walter received the Battle Star Medal, the National Defense 
Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Services Medal with 
Three Stars.
  After leaving the service, Walter was gainfully employed and 
hardworking his entire life. He held positions with the U.S. Federal 
Government Printing Office as a pressman, the U.S. Post Office as a 
letter carrier, and later joined the private sector in the board sales 
business. In 2003, Walter joined the American Association of Retired 
Persons' Senior Community Services Employment Program, AARP/SCSEP, as a 
job developer. Walter flourished in this environment, directly 
impacting the lives of over 1,000 seniors who participate in the 
program for employment placement services. In 2010, Walter was promoted 
to be assistant director of the program. In 6 years, he missed only one 
day of work.
  Madam Speaker, Waldestrudis Torres was an outstanding individual and 
an extraordinary example of American strength and character. 
Hardworking and large-hearted, he placed service to community and 
country above all else and should be remembered for his deep sense of 
commitment to others. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the 
life of Waldestrudis ``Walter'' Torres.

                          ____________________