[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13231]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE VETERANS WHO RECEIVED THE SILVER STAR BANNER AWARD ON 
                 AUGUST 12TH, 2011 IN McCOOK, ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 8, 2011

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the veterans who 
received the Silver Star Banner on August 12th at a ceremony in McCook, 
Illinois in recognition of illness or injury sustained while on active 
duty in the United States Armed Forces. It is a privilege to 
acknowledge the sacrifices made by these brave citizens in the defense 
of our country, and I applaud their courage and fortitude.
  At the ceremony hosted by Cook County Commissioner Jeffrey R. 
Tobolski of the 16th District, the following servicemen were 
recognized: William Cochran, Kenneth Marinelle, Thomas Bezouska, 
Anthony Bezouska, Donald Beach, Robert Tinson Sr., James Piotrowski, 
Thomas Higgins, Ralph Simpson, John Charles Judge, Louis Anderson, Joe 
Romano, Russell Meredith, and James Tobolski.
  The Silver Star Banner was created by the Silver Star Families of 
America, founded in 2005. The mission of this nonprofit organization is 
to provide care packages and show support to ill and wounded veterans 
and their families. The Silver Star Families of America also works to 
serve the men and women of the Armed Forces through education and 
advocacy campaigns that focus on the plight of servicemen and 
servicewomen wounded while on active duty. This organization is unique 
because candidates need not receive additional military decoration to 
be eligible for the Silver Star Banner. Silver Star Families of America 
seeks to ensure that all those wounded and ill members who have served 
in the Armed Forces receive the recognition and honor they deserve.
  This ceremony exemplifies the 16th District's support for local 
veterans. Those who risk their lives to protect our country deserve our 
utmost respect, and Commissioner Tobolski and the residents of the 16th 
District are helping to make sure they receive their due.
  Please join me in recognizing the recipients of the Silver Star 
Banner from Cook County's 16th District and surrounding areas. Their 
sacrifice and dedication to our country are an inspiration to us all 
and will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________