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[Page H2990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOSEPH J. MANCINO, SR.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Rutherford) for 5 minutes.
Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and
legacy of Joseph J. Mancino, Sr., of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, who,
sadly, passed away in late June.
Mr. Mancino was a true American patriot who embodied the selfless
values of the Greatest Generation. He joined the Navy at the age of 17
and bravely served aboard the USS Griffin and USS Coucal in the Pacific
during World War II. He also witnessed the atomic bomb explosion
dropped over the Bikini Atoll during Operation Crossroads, which was
the first atomic test after the war. Joseph received numerous medals
for his service, including the Philippine Liberation Medal and Good
Conduct Medal.
Those who knew him best say that the only thing stronger than his
love for his country was his love for his family and friends. He is
survived by his wife, Mary--his wife of 72 years--his four children,
seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Florida and the
United States of America, I thank Mr. Mancino for his service to our
Nation and offer our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
Honoring the Life of Tyler Lehman
Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Tyler Lehman,
who, tragically, passed away from a rare form of leukemia during 2017.
During his battle with cancer, Tyler became an inspiration to many in
our Jacksonville, Florida, community. Despite numerous cycles of
remission, relapse, and chemotherapy, which took a really hard toll on
his body, he never lost that positive spirit.
Each year, no matter how difficult it was for him, Tyler would lead
his team of walkers for the annual Light the Night Walk for the
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. His team continues to walk each year in
his memory.
He has also befriended people from all over the world, supporting
them as they struggled with their own individual ailments and
conditions.
He loved the outdoors, whether it was biking nearly 20 miles each day
for charity or barbecuing at Cedar Point Park. It has now been over 3
years since his passing, and he is still missed dearly by his family
and friends. Tyler was important to so many in northeast Florida, and I
know that his memory will live on forever in those whom he touched.
{time} 0945
Recognizing Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and U.S. Coast
Guard Sector Jacksonville
Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and United States Coast Guard
Sector Jacksonville for their response to a vessel fire beginning June
4 at JAXPORT.
For days, under the leadership of Fire Chief Keith Powers and Sector
Jacksonville Captain Mark Vlaun, they battled this fire under difficult
conditions with bravery and skill, extinguishing the flames and saving
the ship from complete destruction.
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, nine of those brave firefighters
sustained injuries in the blaze, and five are still recovering.
We are so thankful to have these outstanding firefighters in
northeast Florida who are the heroes of our communities, saving lives
every single day. It is comforting to know we have talented, trained
professionals ready to respond to a medical emergency, a house fire, or
in this case, a ship fire, at a moment's notice.
Our thoughts continue to be with the injured firefighters and their
families, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.
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