[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8933]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING WWII VETERANS AND RESIDENTS OF BELMONT VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2014

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition 
of the 17 World War II veterans and residents of Belmont Village Senior 
Living in Thousand Oaks, CA. For their service to our country, I would 
like to express my sincere appreciation to the following individuals:
  Corporal Keith Balkwill, Corporal Leslie Bedding, Bill Bouch, Daphne 
Forst, Harold Hertzberg, Private Don Matson, Aviation Machinist Mate 
2nd Class Paul McAlister, Captain Frank McCarter, Lieutenant JG Grant 
Olweiler, Tech 5 Sergeant Willis Peterson, Senior Assistant Surgeon Dr. 
John Phelan, Robert Roth, Private 1st Class Cyril Shepro, Seaman 1st 
Class Bill Smith, Tech 4 Sergeant Dorothy Weems, Sergeant John Weems, 
Master Sargent Alex Weinper, Private First Class Robert ``Bob'' 
Yanchus.
  On May 21, 2014, the Belmont Village Gallery will open and showcase 
the captivating stories, memoirs, and pictures of these iconic heroes. 
The depth and richness of each veteran's story is indicative of the 
valor and sacrifice that has come to define this chapter in American 
history.
  These men and women are members of the Greatest Generation--a 
generation that overcame multiple challenges of adversity and embodied 
the definition of resilience. These brave men and women fought 
heroically, inspired our nation and put us on the path to victory. They 
remind us that no challenge is too great when we as a nation stand 
together as one.
  Today, as we face new and profound challenges, we must look to our 
past and be encouraged to carry on their legacy of keeping our country 
strong and free and prosperous. It is incumbent on this generation to 
remember the challenges of our history and reaffirm our commitment to 
our veterans for their bravery and sacrifice. Without their selfless 
service to our nation, America would not have the liberties so many of 
us enjoy and often take for granted.
  This is why our nation has an obligation to ensure that each veteran, 
who fought so bravely to defend our country and our freedoms, receives 
all of the services they need and deserve and have so honorably earned.
  It is with deep appreciation and admiration that I recognize each of 
these veterans for their patriotism and service to our country during 
World War II. As a nation, we will be forever grateful for their 
service.

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