Tammy Baldwin

Mr. President, today I rise to honor the life of Al Labelle, a dedicated servicemember who held an unwavering lifelong commitment to the advancement of veterans' services. Wisconsin mourns his loss, and his service and legacy will be remembered for years to come.

Mr. Labelle served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Okinawa (LPH-3) from 1965 to 1967. The USS Okinawa deployed to the Vietnam war zone in 1967, and during that deployment, Mr. Labelle participated in nine amphibious landing operations. Mr. Labelle was honorably discharged from Active service but continued his service in the Naval Reserves until 1972.

After returning home, Mr. Labelle's commitment to serving others did not waver. While his career was diverse, his work remained rooted in his desire to connect with and serve others. From caring for patients as a respiratory therapist, to working as an assistant manager of warehouse operations and even owning a bowling alley, Mr. Labelle's professional life reflected his tireless work ethic. Throughout these endeavors, he remained a steadfast advocate for his fellow veterans.

For more than 20 years, Mr. Labelle was a dedicated leader of the Disabled American Veterans DAV, at the local, State, and national levels. He joined the DAV in 2005, becoming a life member of Chapter 57 in Marshfield. He held numerous leadership positions, including benefits protection team leader and chairman of the national interim legislation committee. His advocacy often brought him to our Nation's Capital, where he fought to ensure that our country's veterans received the support and services they earned.

His lifetime of advocacy for veterans was nationally recognized when he received the DAV Outstanding Performance in Advocacy Award for 7 consecutive years. Mr. Labelle's determination to fight for veterans was easy to see, and his impact will be felt by veterans and their families for years to come. I was fortunate to see Mr. Labelle's dedication firsthand through my work with him, and I know Wisconsin's veterans were fortunate to have a champion like him in their corner.

Veterans in Wisconsin and across the country have benefited from Mr. Labelle's devoted advocacy, and I am grateful for his lifetime of service. His legacy will live on through the veterans and families he helped and the countless people he inspired throughout his life.

Mr. President, today I rise to honor John Yingling on his retirement after his distinguished service as chair of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board. During his tenure, Mr. Yingling helped lead one of the most transformative periods in Wisconsin State Fair history, helping create lasting memories for millions of fairgoers.

In 2011, then-Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker appointed Mr. Yingling to serve on the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board. During his time as chair, the State fair expanded year-round operations, hosted the largest Clydesdale horse show in North America, and welcomed INDYCAR racing back to the historic Milwaukee Mile. These accomplishments, along with many others, have strengthened the State fair and helped spur investment in the greater Milwaukee community.

When Mr. Yingling became chair, the State fair faced significant financial challenges. He was instrumental in helping move the fair from the red into the black, and under his leadership, those gains were reinvested in the fair and the community.

Mr. Yingling also helped foster innovation and creativity that have become hallmarks of the Wisconsin State Fair. Through the annual Sporkies and Drinkies competitions, State Fair vendors compete to create unique foods and drinks that attract visitors from across Wisconsin and beyond.

As we celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Fair, I am pleased to recognize Mr. Yingling's distinguished service and his many contributions to the people of Wisconsin. His leadership has helped ensure that the State fair remains a treasured Wisconsin tradition for generations to come.

I congratulate Mr. Yingling on his retirement and wish him all the best.

Mr. President, today I rise to honor the 75th anniversary of the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, WI. I am pleased to celebrate this hospital and to commemorate this historic milestone.

Since 1951, the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital has served Wisconsin veterans with care and compassion. When the hospital was first opened, it was the first of the VA's designated tuberculosis hospitals. After years of providing tuberculosis care, in 1960, the facility was redesignated to provide general medical and surgical care.

In 1976, the U.S. Congress renamed the hospital after Dr. William Shainline Middleton, an accomplished veteran, physician, and academic. Dr. Middleton served as an Army captain during World War I and served with distinction in the Office of the Chief Surgeon during World War