Floor SpeechCeremonial2024-12-19

RECOGNIZING GEORGE LELAND'S SERVICE TO HIS FAMILY AND TO THE NATION

EconomyTaxesDefenseVeterans

Context

On 2024-12-19, Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-6) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING GEORGE LELAND'S SERVICE TO HIS FAMILY AND TO THE NATION" in the House. The speech addressed the economy and also covered taxes, defense.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING GEORGE LELAND'S SERVICE TO HIS FAMILY AND TO THE NATION

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 189 (Thursday, December 19, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 189 (Thursday, December 19, 2024)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1305] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING GEORGE LELAND'S SERVICE TO HIS FAMILY AND TO THE NATION ______ HON. DEBBIE DINGELL of michigan in the house of representatives Thursday, December 19, 2024 Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate George Leland on the occasion of his 100th birthday. His dedication to his family, community and Nation is worthy of commendation. George's service in the war began when he hitchhiked from his home in Detroit to Selfridge Air National Guard Base on his 18th birthday and enlisted. Having lost an uncle in the First World War, he was well aware of the danger of serving in the armed forces. He was placed with the U.S. Army Air Force, 12th Air Force, 460th Bomb Group who were stationed in Spinazzola, Italy from 1943 to 1945. George was the nose gunner in a B-24 bomber named ``The Yugo Kid'' because they would almost always fly over Yugoslavia on their bombing runs. As the nose gunner, George was responsible for spotting the enemy fighters and shooting them down before they shot you. George was quite good at his job, and his team flew 28 missions over Europe without being shot down. The constant stress and lack of consistent rations wore on him, as he enlisted at 168 pounds and was discharged at 128 pounds. After the war, George married his wife, Delores, in 1947 and took a job at The Detroit News. They moved to Garden City in 1953 ``when everyone on the block was a WWII veteran'' and he still lives in the same home. Together they had 5 grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren. Delores sadly passed in 2019 after 72 years of marriage. George has stayed well involved with the veteran's community as a part of his local VFW, American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans. In retirement, George is a champion maker of homemade pickles. Every year he grows his own cucumbers and makes his own pickles using ``Mrs. Wages'' spices. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the incredible life of George Leland, a man who served our country during its darkest hours and who has continued to bring joy to others. A dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, he faithfully served his family and Nation with a sense of duty, respect, and integrity. We thank him for his service and wish him the happiest of birthdays. I thank George. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING GEORGE LELAND'S SERVICE TO HIS FAMILY AND TO THE NATION Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 189 (Thursday, December 19, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 189 (Thursday, December 19, 2024)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1305] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING GEORGE LELAND'S SERVICE TO HIS FAMILY AND TO THE NATION ______ HON. DEBBIE DINGELL of michigan in the house of representatives Thursday, December 19, 2024 Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate George Leland on the occasion of his 100th birthday. His dedication to his family, community and Nation is worthy of commendation. George's service in the war began when he hitchhiked from his home in Detroit to Selfridge Air National Guard Base on his 18th birthday and enlisted. Having lost an uncle in the First World War, he was well aware of the danger of serving in the armed forces. He was placed with the U.S. Army Air Force, 12th Air Force, 460th Bomb Group who were stationed in Spinazzola, Italy from 1943 to 1945. George was the nose gunner in a B-24 bomber named ``The Yugo Kid'' because they would almost always fly over Yugoslavia on their bombing runs. As the nose gunner, George was responsible for spotting the enemy fighters and shooting them down before they shot you. George was quite good at his job, and his team flew 28 missions over Europe without being shot down. The constant stress and lack of consistent rations wore on him, as he enlisted at 168 pounds and was discharged at 128 pounds. After the war, George married his wife, Delores, in 1947 and took a job at The Detroit News. They moved to Garden City in 1953 ``when everyone on the block was a WWII veteran'' and he still lives in the same home. Together they had 5 grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren. Delores sadly passed in 2019 after 72 years of marriage. George has stayed well involved with the veteran's community as a part of his local VFW, American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans. In retirement, George is a champion maker of homemade pickles. Every year he grows his own cucumbers and makes his own pickles using ``Mrs. Wages'' spices. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the incredible life of George Leland, a man who served our country during its darkest hours and who has continued to bring joy to others. A dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, he faithfully served his family and Nation with a sense of duty, respect, and integrity. We thank him for his service and wish him the happiest of birthdays. I thank George. ____________________