RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF COLONEL JAMES E. McCLOSKEY, USMC, RETIRED ON NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY

RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF COLONEL JAMES E. McCLOSKEY, USMC, RETIRED ON NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 60 (Monday, March 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 60 (Monday, March 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E289-E290] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF COLONEL JAMES E. McCLOSKEY, USMC, RETIRED ON NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY _____ HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Monday, March 30, 2026 Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Vietnam War Veterans Day to honor an extraordinary constituent from my district, Colonel James E. McCloskey, United States Marine Corps (Retired), who served with distinction and honor during the Vietnam War. Colonel McCloskey began his service in 1965 when he joined the United States Marine Corps and was an Honor Graduate from the Officer Candidate Course. In 1969, he began his first deployment to Vietnam, where he served in a Marine Reconnaissance Unit. During the was, Colonel McCloskey carried immense responsibility at a young age, being responsible for not only mission critical tasks such as training local militias, but also the lives of his own men. He made decisions under pressure that would shape the lives of those under his command, and in doing so earned their trust and respect. By the time he left Vietnam, he had been awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. After completing his service with the Marine Corps, Colonel McCloskey transferred to the United States Army Reserve. During his time in the Reserve, he served in many significant positions including Battalion and Brigade Command. In 1999, he retired after over 30 years of service to our Nation. For his service. he was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal. His over three decades of service reflect not only personal bravery, but a deep commitment to the servicemembers he led and to each mission entrusted to him. In the face of uncertainty and hardship, Colonel McCloskey demonstrated the leadership and resolve that defines our armed forces. Even after his service in country, Colonel McCloskey never forgot the Vietnamese people that he had grown close to. He has returned to Vietnam several times, often at his own expense, to act as a diplomat, volunteer, and teacher. He volunteered as a teacher at Vietnamese universities, teaching International Marketing. He made frequent trips to the State Department to help guide our diplomats in their understanding of the Vietnamese people. Most significantly, he helped found an orphanage run by nuns, which he spends the majority of his visits repairing, building additions, and serving as a mentor to the orphans. Through these efforts, Colonel McCloskey transformed the legacy of the war into one of reconciliation, education, and hope. As we pay tribute to all of our Nation's servicemembers who bravely answered the call of duty in Vietnam, we thank Colonel McCloskey for his leadership, service, and enduring commitment to preserving the legacy of [[Page E290]] his fellow Vietnam Veterans. May we always remember the sacrifices of his generation, and may we remain forever grateful. ____________________