[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3133]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF EUGENE AARON BONACCI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2011

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and 
service of Eugene Aaron Bonacci, a decorated veteran of the United 
States Navy, loving son, brother, partner, and friend to many. 
Tragically, Eugene passed away unexpectedly last month at the all too 
early age of 33.
  Eugene devoted his too short life to his family and country. After 
graduating from Roslyn High School in 1996, he enlisted in the United 
States Navy. The military proved an ideal career choice. His 
intelligence, patriotism, selflessness, and drive to succeed in all he 
endeavored were a perfect fit for the Navy. It was no surprise to those 
who knew Eugene best that he would be highly decorated for his service. 
Eugene earned the Navy Achievement Medal, Blue Jacket Award, National 
Defense Service Medal, Joint Services Medal, Global War on Terrorism 
Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Pistol Expert Medal, and Rifleman 
Marksmanship Ribbon.
  Following his time in the Navy, Eugene enrolled at Pennsylvania State 
University, where he studied security and risk analysis. It was 
Eugene's difficulty obtaining full-tuition benefits for his education 
under the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill that inspired him and his mother, Leslie 
Blei, to become tireless advocates of the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill 
Improvements Act. When the bill passed and was signed into law by 
President Obama, Eugene, selfless as always, cited his mother's 
advocacy as a factor for passage of the bill.
  Eugene's professional accomplishments were numerous. His personal 
attributes were the most significant though. Eugene was loved by his 
family and loved them in return, including his partner Elizabeth 
Rockey. His large extended family was the source of his strength.
  Eugene's life was cut short, but as his father Eugene Bonacci II 
says, Eugene was blessed with a meaningful life. In a final act of 
compassion that embodied Eugene's selflessness, he donated his organs, 
which doctors estimated could save and improve the lives of numerous 
people.
  For his service to country, advocacy for veterans, and devotion to 
his family and friends, I ask all of my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives to join me in honoring Eugene Aaron Bonacci.

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