[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1062-E1063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING RAY CARLSON AS MARQUETTE COUNTY VETERAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 22, 2024

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to congratulate Ray Carlson for 
being named the Marquette County Veteran of the Year. I thank him for 
his immense sacrifices and love of country. Ray joined the United 
States Navy

[[Page E1063]]

shortly after graduating from Dollar Bay High School in 1969. After 
completing training at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Camp 
Pendleton, and Coronado, Ray was deployed to Vietnam where he was 
stationed at TanAn and assigned to a Riverboat base, supporting combat 
operations throughout Vietnam as a central maintenance hub for U.S. 
watercraft.
  Ray returned home from his service just in time for Thanksgiving in 
1971, earning the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and 
the Vietnam Campaign Medal for his time overseas. He began his civilian 
career in the Western UP at the White Copper Mine, and upon its 
closure, obtained a Civil Engineering Degree from Michigan 
Technological University. Ray went on to lead large civil engineering 
projects throughout the UP, culminating with the critical HW-58 project 
in Grand Marais. Ray's emphasis on service above self did not stop 
there, as he has been incredibly active within the Veteran community, 
serving in numerous capacities throughout the American Legion, 
including Post 44 Commander, 12th District Commander, and the 5th Zone 
Commander--spanning the entire Upper Peninsula over the past 20 years. 
As one of the most active and dedicated individuals in the region, Ray 
also serves the community during Bingo at the Jacobetti Home for 
Veterans and Marquette County Fair, Boys State, and the Post 44 youth 
raffle. Ray also has even coached baseball for the American Legion 
teams. Reigniting a passion for the sport he enjoyed in his childhood, 
Ray's time as a baseball coach has also helped many young men who 
received his mentorship and guidance--both on and off the field--as 
they have come through the Legion summer ball program.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Ray Carlson as the Marquette 
County Veteran of the Year. I thank him for a lifetime of dedicated 
service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________