CLARKSTON VFW POST 1443 CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

On 2026-06-03, Representative Michael Baumgartner (R-WA-5) delivered a floor speech titled "CLARKSTON VFW POST 1443 CELEBRATES 100 YEARS" in the House.

CLARKSTON VFW POST 1443 CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3779-H3780] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CLARKSTON VFW POST 1443 CELEBRATES 100 YEARS (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible milestone of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1443 in Clarkston, Washington, which celebrated its 100th anniversary on May 26. For one full century, the venerable post in downtown Clarkston has stood as a sanctuary of service, transforming the heavy, unspoken burdens of global conflict into a legacy of enduring local fellowship. Mr. Speaker, it is deeply fitting that we celebrate this centennial milestone precisely as our Nation marks its 250th anniversary of American independence. The history of VFW Post 1443 is a microcosm of the grand tapestry of American freedom. It bridges the gap between the revolutionary ideals of 1776 and modern preservation of liberty. The brave individuals who left Asotin County to fight on distant shores did so to protect the promise of our Republic. Many did not return home. For those who returned and found a home at Post 1443, the memories of their comrades were woven into the work building a century of camaraderie, youth mentorship, and veterans advocacy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking the members and auxiliary of the Clarkston VFW Post 1443 for 100 years of unwavering devotion to our community and the United States of America. Honoring Chief Lindsay Moon Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 24 years of service to the Nation by Chief Master Sergeant Lindsay Moon, Command Chief of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base. Chief Moon made notable contributions as a developmental flight test boom operator in the development of air refueling operational procedures for the F-35 Lightning and the KC-46 Pegasus. Following that, he was selected to stand up a boom operator exchange program advising the Royal Australian Air Force during initial fielding of their KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport refueling program. Over the duration of his career, Chief Moon has amassed over 4,300 flight hours, over 1,000 instructor/evaluator hours, 170 test flight sorties, and 132 combat sorties. Chief and Mrs. Moon will relocate soon to western Washington, where Chief Moon will begin a new career with Boeing. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Chief Moon. On behalf of Congress and a grateful United States, we are grateful for his service. Honoring Colonel Chad K. Cisewski Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to honor the 24 years of service to the Nation by Colonel Chad K. Cisewski, known to his airmen and the Fairchild community as ``Chewey,'' commander of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base. Chewey's retirement brings his 2-year command of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing to a close, which in turn caps 24 years of outstanding service to the U.S. Air Force. The airmen of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing made major contributions to the successful outcome of Operation Midnight Hammer, and for their valiant actions, over 20 airmen of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing were recently recognized with the granting of the Distinguished Flying Crosses and Bronze Star Medals. Colonel and Mrs. Cisewski will soon begin a new career and a new chapter in their lives where he will be at the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Mr. Speaker, I and all of Spokane, Washington, know Chewey as a humble leader and a true gentleman. Now, all of the United States and Congress knows it as well. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Congress and a grateful United States, we salute Chewey's service. Celebrating the Nine Mile Store Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the passage of a major milestone for one of Spokane County's oldest institutions: the Nine Mile Store. Located in Nine Mile Falls, Washington, it has reached its 120th continuous year of operation. The Nine Mile Store has been a community cornerstone for 120 years, going back to the day it was opened by Ed Tormey in 1906 to support the construction of the adjacent Nine Mile Dam. [[Page H3780]] A few years after its start, the automobile began to slowly replace the horse and buggy, and a hand-cranked gas pump was installed to meet customer needs. Mr. Tormey ran the store for over 30 years before it was purchased by Stephen and Mildred Casadoro, who operated it for nearly 40 years. It would change hands several more times, and now is being operated by Steve and Corrine Rogers who continue its tradition of excellent service to our community. I am proud to represent its current owners and all of their customers here in Congress. All of the Spokane County area in eastern Washington know of the outstanding nature of the Nine Mile Store, and now so do all of Congress and a grateful American people. ____________________