[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18311]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


   RECOGNIZING WORLD WAR II VETERAN LEO BATES OF BANGOR TOWNSHIP, MI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DANIEL T. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 17, 2015

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in recognizing World War II Veteran Leo 
Bates of the 93rd Bombardment Group.
  Mr. Bates joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1942, shortly 
after his graduation from high school. He served valiantly for three 
years as a radio operator, where he flew 30 missions across Europe. It 
is my honor to recognize the veterans of World War II and their 
families for their patriotism and sacrifice.
  While this Veterans Day presents a clear opportunity to remember the 
sacrifices of our veterans, I want to make sure our nation does not 
forget their exemplary commitment to service and democracy. Mr. Bates 
shares this passion, which he incorporates by crafting and selling 
beautiful walking sticks to support fellow veterans. Along with his 
walking sticks come some incredible war stories, which he plans to 
share at Bay Area nursing homes this Veterans Day.
  It is my honor to represent many of the fine men and women who served 
our country, such as Leo Bates, and my duty to respectfully preserve 
their memories with the same dedication with which these veterans 
defended our freedoms.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud all American veterans, and particularly Leo 
Bates and extend my deepest appreciation to them for their years of 
service to our great country.

                          ____________________