April 10, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 62 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING AMERICAN LEGION NEW JERSEY COMMANDER RAY MILLER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2019

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, Raymond A. Miller, of Ocean 
County, N.J. is a dedicated, decorated American hero who has served our 
country in wartime and peace.
   Ray donned the uniform first as a member of the U.S. Air Force to 
serve and protect his country. After success in the military, Ray put 
on a different uniform that was no less important--serving and 
protecting the citizens of New Jersey during a long and distinguished 
career in law enforcement, all-the-while and even to this very day, 
never forgetting his fellow veterans.
   Born in Jersey City and raised in Trenton, N.J., Ray went on to join 
the Air Force in 1963, completing both basic training and Air Police 
School as part of four years of active duty in Germany, as well as two 
years in the reserves. He entered the State Police Academy in 1969, and 
after 30 years as a New Jersey State Trooper, he retired as a 
lieutenant. Ray continues to work for the NJ State Police as a part-
time background investigator of applicants to law enforcement.
   Ray married his loving wife Laurinda in 1971, and together they 
raised two wonderful daughters, Kimberley and Natalie in Manchester 
Township, N.J. in my district. Laurinda has served the Unit 129 
Auxiliary for 28 years and is the current president of the Ocean County 
American Legion Auxiliary. Ray and Laurinda have four grandchildren: 
Kailee Lynn, Kyle, MacKenzie and Brooke. Today Ray and Laurinda live in 
Island Heights, Ocean County, N.J.
   As a trooper Ray was decorated for valor twice: first for helping 
apprehend a murderer who killed two police officers and permanently 
maimed another in Mount Holly, N.J., and later for selflessly and 
courageously saving a Westfield police officer who was being assaulted 
by two escaped murderers.
   A dedicated Airman and trooper, Ray's service was complemented by 
his tireless efforts to aid his fellow veterans--the core of the 
mission of the American Legion.
   I have known Ray Miller for a long time. He is a friend. One of our 
many, many meetings was last year at the New Jersey American Legion's 
Centennial Gala in Point Pleasant, N.J., where we kicked off the 
celebration of the successful and awesome history of the Legion.
   This coming September 16, 2019 will mark the 100th anniversary since 
Congress passed the Charter for the American Legion.
   It has been a good 100 years for the Legion, and Ray has the honor 
of leading legionnaires in the State of New Jersey during this special 
century anniversary.
   Since its founding, the American Legion has become the largest 
wartime veterans' organization, counting nearly two million members 
across the U.S.A. with more than 12,000 posts. Established by an act of 
Congress, the Legion--with leaders like Ray and his predecessors at the 
helm locally, statewide and nationally--was instrumental in getting the 
original GI Bill through Congress and the creation of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs, today known as the Veterans Administration.
   A nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization with legendary leadership 
and strong organizational structure built on its grass-roots 
involvement in the legislative process, every member in the House and 
Senate seeks the advice of the American Legion, which always, always 
has the interest of veterans and their families at heart.
  As the former chairman of the House Veterans' Committee, I can attest 
to the influence, commitment and hard work of the American Legion. Its 
leaders like Ray Miller were indispensable when I wrote such laws as 
the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act (P.L. 107-95), and 
the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act (P.L. 107-103)--i.e. 
the GI Bill expansion--just to name a few.
   Before taking the reins of the American Legion Department of New 
Jersey last year as the State Commander, Ray served various positions 
at his hometown post, Post 129 in Island Heights, including twice as 
Post Commander.
   Last year, the American Legion began celebrating 100 years since it 
first gathered on the Jersey Shore so many years ago. Representatives 
from chapters all across the state have held the American Legion 
Convention at Wildwoods Convention Center since 1918.
   To honor the upcoming centennial milestone, local and state 
legionnaires buried a time capsule in Wildwood, NJ in front of American 
Legion Post 184 last June. Since 1918, the American Legion has held its 
annual convention in Wildwood.
   The Cape May County Herald reported the capsule, filled with 100 
years of historical items from different posts and counties within the 
Garden State, will remain buried for 25 years. On June 8, 2043, it will 
be unearthed by Ray's grandchildren.
   Across my District, across the great State of New Jersey, and across 
this great nation, the traditions and legacy of the Legion have become 
a legacy of wholesome Americana: American Legion baseball, Boys State, 
Troop and Family Support, educational scholarships, and many other 
activities sponsored by the Legion.
   This Saturday, his fellow veterans, friends and family, will honor 
Ray for a lifetime of service that continues today. And, 25 years from 
now, Ray's grandchildren will unearth the memories and history of the 
New Jersey American Legion--a history that is replete with the 
outstanding contributions and leadership of American Legionnaire Ray 
Miller.
   I thank Ray, and may God bless him and his family and all 
servicemember and veterans.

                          ____________________