[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 11924]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         A TRUE MINNESOTA HERO

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Minnesota (Mr. Emmer) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
incredible life of General John W. Vessey Jr.
  Just 16 years old when he lied about his age and enlisted as a 
private in the Minnesota National Guard, John Vessey quickly found 
himself on the front lines in World War II. It didn't take long for 
John to distinguish himself as a war hero, and, in 1944, he received a 
battlefield commission.
  General Vessey's military career didn't end with his service in World 
War II. More than two decades later, he also served in Vietnam.
  In 1982, General Vessey was chosen as the Chairman of the Joint 
Chiefs of Staff by President Ronald Reagan, due to his impressive 
reputation for high integrity and strong character.
  Some of us might remember General Vessey for becoming our Nation's 
longest serving active soldier, but most of us will remember him for 
the work he did for his fellow soldiers.
  President Reagan once called him a ``soldier's soldier,'' which he 
undoubtedly was, as he never forgot about the men who stood next to him 
in battle, including the ones who never made it home. This was proven 
by his advocacy for MIA/POW issues, for which he was awarded the 
Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992.
  General John W. Vessey Jr. was a true Minnesotan hero and he is a 
legend. We were lucky to have him; and while he will be missed, he will 
never be forgotten.

                              {time}  1045


                   Minnesota's Own Best Buy Turns 50

  Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a 
Minnesota company that has reached a major milestone. This past month, 
Best Buy turned 50 years old.
  Best Buy was founded in 1966 by Richard Schulze. Originally named The 
Sound of Music, this store sold stereo equipment to college students in 
the Twin Cities area. When the stereo market began to decline, the 
store eventually expanded its merchandise to offer other popular 
products, ultimately leading to major future success.
  Like any business, Best Buy has faced highs and lows. In 1981, a 
tornado destroyed the main store in Roseville. Instead of letting the 
disaster win, Schulze and his employees banded together to continue to 
sell great products at a great price and provide excellent customer 
service along the way.
  Today there are now 1,600 stores located throughout North America, 
proving that both determination and hard work can pay off. Their 
success is widely recognized, so much so that Forbes magazine even 
named Best Buy the company of the year in 2004.
  Congratulations to Best Buy on 50 years of business. Thanks for 
representing Minnesota so well. And here's to the next 50 years.


                  Proof of True Service to Our Country

  Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Matthew 
C.G. Boucher of Ramsey, Minnesota. Matthew recently received a 
Veterans' Voices Award meant to highlight the incredible contributions 
of Minnesota's veterans.
  Matthew is a veteran of the Army National Guard and spent 12 years 
courageously serving our Nation. Today he continues his service to our 
country and to the State of Minnesota through his work as a middle 
school principal.
  Matthew's love for the military and his fellow veterans is a large 
part of what inspires him in his current position.
  At Fridley Middle School, he started a Veterans Day program to teach 
students to recognize the many sacrifices that the members of our 
military make. He also works to promote the belief within every one of 
his students that anything they set their minds to is possible. He is 
especially dedicated to helping his students pursue their education 
beyond high school.
  Thank you, Matthew, for your brave service and for continuing to 
better our Nation. Our Nation and our State is a better place because 
of you.


                          A Voice for Veterans

  Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jolaina 
Falkenstein of Carver, Minnesota, for receiving a Veterans' Voices 
Award. These awards are meant to honor the outstanding contributions 
made by Minnesota's veterans.
  Jolaina is an Army Reserve veteran who serves as a senior 
noncommissioned officer in the 88th Regional Support Command.
  In her primary role as a lead training officer for the Yellow Ribbon 
Reintegration Program, Jolaina strives to help military members prepare 
for deployment as well as for what they will need when they return 
home.
  Additionally, Jolaina works as a licensed therapist for Lutheran 
Social Services, working with our military members and their families.
  We are truly thankful to have an individual like Jolaina in our 
community. Not only has she served in the Armed Forces, but she 
continues to serve by providing our Nation's veterans and their 
families with the care that they not only deserve, but they so 
desperately need.

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