[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6075]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF THE HONORABLE JEROME E. GAFF, U.S. ARMY, VIETNAM 1969-1970

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 16, 2016

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Jerome Edward Gaff, 
May 30, 1946, in recognition of his outstanding service to the United 
States Army.
  Jerry is the son of John M. and Dorothy A. Gaff who raised Jerry in 
Chelsea, MA. Jerry grew up alongside his brothers Harold, Jack, Tom, 
and sister, Loretta. Jerry and his family relocated to Everett MA, 
where he made his residence from 1950-1969. He graduated from Everett 
High School in 1964, and soon after, began working at General Edwards 
Inn Restaurant in the Point of Pines Section of Revere with his 
brothers and sisters. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on April 19, 
1969, where he served his tour of duty in Vietnam from September 1969 
to November 1970.
  While serving in the Army, he served with the 1st Infantry Division 
(Big Red One) Sept. 1969 to Mar. 1970 and the 11th Armored Cavalry 
Regiment (Black Horse) Mar. 1970 to Nov. 1970. He was stationed at the 
U.S. Army base located in Lai Khe, northwest of Saigon. During his time 
in the Army he was active in the major battle of the Cambodian 
Incursion from May to June, 1970. He received several medals for his 
Army service including: National Defense Service Medal, Army 
Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal and the 
Vietnam Campaign Medal. Although Jerry is a decorated veteran of the 
Vietnam Conflict he seldom spoke of his distinguished military career, 
and upon returning stateside focused his attention to raising his 
family, but never forgot those who served with him, and stills serves 
as an advocate for all veterans today.
  When he returned from the war, he continued to work at the General 
Edwards Inn. He attended college before and after the war, studying 
education and Spanish. In 1972, he was married and had four daughters, 
Nancy 42, Shannon 41, Lauren 39 and Marybeth 38. Jerry and his family 
moved to Sandown, NH in the summer of 1978, just prior to the opening 
of his restaurant The Village Square Inn, located in Hampstead, NH. 
Jerry was owner/chef at the restaurant through the early 90s. He 
continued to be a well-respected chef in the southern New Hampshire 
area until his recent retirement. In his retirement, Jerry enjoys his 
summers at the lake and spending time with his friends and family, 
including his girlfriend Gail and his nine grandchildren. Jerry is an 
avid sports fan, who excelled in hockey as a young man, is an 
outstanding horseshoe player, excellent cribbage player, and fisherman. 
Jerry has positively influenced everyone in his lifetime and is the 
definition of what it means to be a Father, Grandfather, and Friend.
  Mr. Speaker, Jerry is a true gentleman and is known for being funny, 
kind and caring. He continues to support his fellow veterans by meeting 
with others at his local Veterans hospitals/clinics. His dedication to 
those he served with is only exceeded by his dedication to his family 
and friends.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Jerry on the occasion of his 70th 
birthday. I find it only fitting that we honor Jerry's lifetime of 
accomplishments as a testament of his excellent military service, 
outstanding character, his positive influence on all those who have met 
him, and his commitment to his family and community.

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