RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, WORLD WAR II VETERAN CHUCK KUNES'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, WORLD WAR II VETERAN CHUCK KUNES'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E128] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, WORLD WAR II VETERAN CHUCK KUNES'S 100TH BIRTHDAY ______ HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Thursday, February 13, 2025 Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional constituent from my district, Chuck Kunes. Throughout his life, Chuck has embodied a selfless and fearless spirit, resulting in a life rich in stories and memories. I commend Chuck for his service to our country and thank him for his great sacrifices and honorable legacy. As he celebrates his 100th birthday on February 27, 2025, I would like to recognize Chuck and wish happiness for him and his family. Chuck was born in Trenton, New Jersey to Jewish immigrants Sam and Doris (Weinstock) Kunes on February 27, 1925. He attended schools in Trenton and the Bronx and worked shining shoes to help support his family when his father passed away suddenly in 1935, when Chuck was only ten years old. At age 18, before he could be drafted for World War II, Chuck enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, attended boot camp in North Carolina, and then went to flight school in Maine, where he was trained as a flight mechanic. He was then sent to the South Pacific as part of VMF-214, most famously known as the ``Black Sheep Squadron,'' where he spent four years in Okinawa and China, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Following the service, Chuck attended the University of Illinois on the G.I. Bill, then moved to Levittown, Pennsylvania and spent the remainder of his life in Bucks County. He worked as an executive for the 3-M Company in Bristol for over 40 years. Chuck was an original owner in the Stony Brook section of Levittown, eventually moving to Quincy Hollow and then, finally, to Forsythia Gate, where he cared for his wife, Alma, and three children, Karen, Steven and Susan. To date, Chuck and Alma have been married for 71 years. Chuck has spent a lifetime enjoying fishing, hunting, baking, and as a private pilot. Chuck also loves his visits to Parx Casino. His family is so very proud that Chuck has reached this milestone in his life. Our Nation owes Chuck a debt that can never be repaid. We wish Chuck countless blessings, and I remain deeply appreciative of Chuck Kunes for his life of service and sacrifice for our community, district, and country. His commitment to his fellow neighbors, veterans, and servicemembers alike is a testament to his character and spirit. I am more than honored to recognize him today and wish him nothing but the best for his 100th birthday and the future beyond. ____________________