Recognizing the 2023 Northeast Wisconsin Veteran of the Year, John Gillespie

Floor Speech

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Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Northeast Wisconsin's 2023 Veteran of the Year, John Gillespie.

The Northeast Wisconsin Veteran of the Year is chosen annually by a selection committee of veteran and civilian community members. It recognizes veterans in Northeast Wisconsin who continue to demonstrate service, excellence, and dedication in all they do.

John's service began in 1955 at the University of Wisconsin, where he first signed up as an ROTC student with the Army Corp of Engineers. His career of service would see him honorably discharged from the United States Army and rise to the rank of Captain in the United States Army Reserve. His service extended far beyond his time in uniform, however, as he was appointed to Gov. Tommy Thompson's Juvenile Justice Commission in 1991 and in 1992 to the National Child Labor Committee.

A longtime resident of Northeast Wisconsin, John's service to our country and community went far beyond his time in uniform. In 1965, John and his wife Jan began the Rawhide Boys Ranch with the fundraising help and support of a quarterback some may know, Bart Starr. This support allowed John and Jan to help turn around the lives of numerous at-risk youth throughout Wisconsin. The ranch was more than just housing and mentor assistance for these youth. It became an integral part of the community, establishing a firefighting service that served the nearby municipalities at no charge. Today, through their car donation program, residential services, and youth counseling programs, they serve over 750 at-risk youth across Wisconsin. They operate several family services centers, three equine therapy centers, and over 40 full-time therapists stationed at public high schools serving at- risk youth.

But John's commitment to our community went beyond the ranch. He dedicated much time and effort to projects like establishing Plamann Park, spent countless hours volunteering with American Legion Post 38 in Appleton, where he is a 30-year member, and also spent years advocating for a local veteran whom he kept in contact with after his two years at Rawhide as a youth, Jerry Monson. He worked tirelessly to ensure Jerry received the VA benefits he deserved and went so far as to compile donations from local builders to get Jerry back on his feet after he found himself homeless. John enlisted the help of 45 local builders and suppliers to build Jerry a home free of charge.

In every walk of his life, John and his family have led a life of selfless service and sacrifice. The lives he has changed through his work in our community can never be quantified. John continues to demonstrate the highest degree of service, dedication, and excellence in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I once again congratulate John Gillespie for his service to Northeast Wisconsin and the veteran's community and for being the 2023 Northeast Wisconsin Veteran of the Year. Northeast Wisconsin can be proud of the many great veterans who call Wisconsin's Eighth Congressional District home. I urge all colleagues to join me in recognizing these outstanding men and women.

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