RECOGNIZING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO VITO DEFINO

On 2026-09-04, Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO VITO DEFINO" in the House.

RECOGNIZING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO VITO DEFINO

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 141 (Friday, September 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 141 (Friday, September 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E870] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO VITO DEFINO ______ HON. BETH VAN DUYNE of texas in the house of representatives Friday, September 4, 2026 Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Bedford resident and World War II veteran, Vito Defino. Vito was drafted for World War II only one month after graduating high school. When given the choice between the Army Air Corps or Navy, he chose to fly, serving at various bases across the country as a right wing gunner on the B-29 Superfortress. Throughout his time, Vito was promoted to Corporal and then Sergeant in only 14 months. During WWII, he met Mary, his future wife, who was working in military intelligence, and they were both honorably discharged on the same day. Following WWII, Vito earned his degree in education, while working evenings at General Electric. Throughout his career, Vito poured into the students with various roles as a math teacher, physical education coach, and later a vice principal for 30 years. Vito is currently 100 years old and lives in Texas with his daughter, Dee, and her family. I thank Vito Defino for his service to our Nation and for being an inspiration to those around him. ____________________