[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 11859]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO VINCENT J. VACCA

 Mr. TESTER. Madam President, I wish to pay tribute to Vincent 
J. Vacca, a veteran of the first Gulf War. Vince, on behalf of all 
Montanans and all Americans, I stand to say thank you for your service 
to this nation. It is my honor to share the story of Vince Vacca's 
service in Operation Desert Storm, because no story of heroism should 
ever fall through the cracks.
  Vince was born in New York but grew up in Libby, MT. When he was just 
a junior in high school, Vince decided to join the Navy headed to boot 
camp right after he graduated. On his first deployment, he was 
stationed on the U.S.S. Sylvania as an electricians mate.
  Vince served in Operation Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991. He 
separated from the Navy in May of 1992 but re-enlisted in the Armed 
Services, this time in the U.S. Army in December of 1992.
  In the Army, Vince graduated third in his class as a fire direction 
specialist in field artillery. Vince served in the Army until 1999. 
After his service, Vincent Vacca never received the medals he earned 
from either the Army or the Navy. Vince recently received his Army 
medals but couldn't get his Navy medals.
  Earlier this month, in the presence of his family, it was my honor to 
finally present to Vince: the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the National 
Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze 
stars, and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. I also had the honor of 
presenting to Vince, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, based in Kuwait, the 
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one bronze star, and the Kuwait 
Liberation Medal, based in Saudi Arabia.
  These seven decorations are small tokens, but they are powerful 
symbols of true heroism, sacrifice, and dedication to service.
  These medals are presented on behalf of a grateful Nation.

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