On the recordJuly 22, 2014
It is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Eli Setencich, a captain in the American Army Air Corps during World War II, a journalist, and a friend to so many of us. Eli was an unsung American hero, a veteran of America's Greatest Generation. Eli hardly ever discussed, nor did he brag about, his World War II experiences, like many of those who served at that time. However, he flew 142 combat missions in P-49s during the war. Eli's amazing courage and heroism was recognized with two Distinguished Flying Cross awards. When the war ended, like most American veterans of that era, Eli returned to his hometown to begin his career, in this case, Sanger, California. For 41 years, Eli worked for The Fresno Bee, a major paper in the West, first as a reporter, and then a columnist. His insightfulness and biting humor always made the point. Eli was a mentor to many young writers and a friend to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Yvonne; his daughter, Amy; and his two grandchildren. It is with great respect that I ask my colleagues of the United States House of Representatives to honor the life of Eli Setencich, a true American hero and a distinguished journalist. ____________________
