[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS (VFW) WILLIE 
                           BARRAZA POST 9173

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERONICA ESCOBAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2024

  Ms. ESCOBAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate Veterans of Foreign 
Wars (VFW) Willie Barraza Post 9173 for their 75th anniversary. The 
Willie Barraza Post has been an important service organization to 
assist our veteran community, their families, and the wider El Paso 
community.
  The Post was founded in 1949 and named after Willie Barraza, who was 
an Army Sergeant from Smeltertown who went Missing in Action during 
World War II. Smeltertown was located in El Paso, Texas, and housed 
workers of the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO). Willie 
Barraza Post 9173 is the second oldest post in El Paso with veteran 
members from the Korean, Vietnam, and Global War on Terrorism.
  The Willie Barraza Post is chartered with 34 World War II service 
members and currently has 148 members serving our border city and our 
military base of Fort Bliss. Their members are active participants in 
supporting our community. They help raise funds for local churches and 
scholarship opportunities for students. They also serve in recognizing 
veterans through participation in our district's annual Independence 
Day and Veterans Day parades.
  Today, I want to thank the Willie Barraza Post for their service to 
the country and our community. I join them in celebrating their 75th 
Anniversary and commend them for their consistent presence in El Paso. 
I look forward to the continued work that they do in the coming years 
and decades.

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