[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17992]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO RALPH BAGNESKI

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I wish to recognize and honor Ralph 
Bagneski, Milwaukee County's 2016 Veteran of the Year. Mr. Bagneski has 
served our Nation for 35 years with distinction. As we observe Veterans 
Day, I am proud to pay tribute to him and to his fellow Wisconsin 
veterans who have served our Nation to protect and defend the American 
freedoms we hold dear.
  A native of Milwaukee, Mr. Bagneski enlisted in the United States 
Marine Corps after his graduation from Washington High School. He 
served on Active Duty during the Vietnam war from 1967 through 1971, 
leaving full-time service having achieved the post of rifleman squad 
leader, 96th Rifle Company. From 1973 to 1987, Mr. Bagneski also served 
in the Wisconsin National Guard, attaining the rank of first sergeant. 
In addition, Mr. Bagneski served for more than 15 years in the United 
States Army Reserve, where he achieved the rank of command sergeant 
major.
  During his military service, Mr. Bagneski received numerous 
decorations, two of which were the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious 
Service Medal. Both honors are given to members of the United States 
Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious 
conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. 
Notably, he also received the National Infantry Association's Order of 
Saint Maurice, an award recognizing those who make significant 
contributions in support of the infantry and who represent the highest 
standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence, and 
dedication to duty.
  Beyond his military service, Mr. Bagneski has demonstrated 
extraordinary service to his fellow servicemembers through his 
leadership in Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1, the American 
Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Stand Down. He has served his 
community as a firefighter and EMT, as a Little League baseball coach, 
and as an active leader in Brewery Workers Local 9.
  Mr. Bagneski's lifetime of service to his country, his State, his 
community, and his fellow servicemembers is an example to us all. I am 
honored to congratulate him as Milwaukee County's 2016 Veteran of the 
Year and thank him for dedicating his life to the values we pay tribute 
to on Veterans Day--duty, honor, and service.

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