[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E14]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING MR. TORRES ON BEING A RECIPIENT OF THE ILLINOIS 
                    BICENTENNIAL HONOR 200 CAMPAIGN

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                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 8, 2019

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Raymond 
Torres for being a recipient of the Illinois Bicentennial Honor 200 
campaign. The award is given by the Illinois Department of Veterans' 
Affairs and the Illinois Bicentennial Office to honor veterans who have 
given back to their communities after their service.
  From Sterling, Illinois, Mr. Torres honorably served our nation in 
the Vietnam War, where he was wounded in the battle of Khe Sanh. Upon 
his return, Mr. Torres developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and has 
since made it his mission to help others who have gone through similar 
experiences. In 2015, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Torres and his 
family in my Rock Island Office where I presented him with service 
medals he had not previously received. Mr. Torres' honors consist of a 
Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, 
Presidential Unit Citation and a Combat Action Ribbon. It is fitting 
that Mr. Torres is honored for both his past and present service to our 
state and our nation, as Illinois celebrates its 200th birthday. His 
service is exemplary and I am humbled to have had the opportunity to 
meet him.
  It is because of dedicated leaders such as Mr. Raymond Torres that I 
am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. 
Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Mr. Torres 
for receiving this honor and thank him for all he does for veterans in 
our communities.

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