[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 8526] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO MR. WALDESTRUDIS ``WALTER'' TORRES ______ HON. JOSE E. SERRANO of new york in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 18, 2010 Mr. SERRANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer tribute to Mr. Waldestrudis ``Walter'' Torres, a Puerto Rican Vietnam War hero from my district who recently passed away at the age of 62. Walter was a brave and committed man. He honored himself and his country on the battlefields of Vietnam before returning home to lead a quiet life of civil service. He spent nearly four decades in service to others, as both soldier and civilian. Walter was born in Coamo, Puerto Rico, on April 10, 1947. In 1967, at the age of 20, Walter joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was soon sent to Vietnam. Like so many of the more than 48,000 Puerto Ricans who served during Vietnam, Walter distinguished himself in combat. For courage and bravery, Walter received the Battle Star Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Services Medal with Three Stars. After leaving the service, Walter was gainfully employed and hardworking his entire life. He held positions with the U.S. Federal Government Printing Office as a pressman, the U.S. Post Office as a letter carrier, and later joined the private sector in the board sales business. In 2003, Walter joined the American Association of Retired Persons' Senior Community Services Employment Program, AARP/SCSEP, as a job developer. Walter flourished in this environment, directly impacting the lives of over 1,000 seniors who participate in the program for employment placement services. In 2010, Walter was promoted to be assistant director of the program. In 6 years, he missed only one day of work. Madam Speaker, Waldestrudis Torres was an outstanding individual and an extraordinary example of American strength and character. Hardworking and large-hearted, he placed service to community and country above all else and should be remembered for his deep sense of commitment to others. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the life of Waldestrudis ``Walter'' Torres. ____________________