On the recordJune 14, 2024
Today, I rise to celebrate Paul Wojahn. Paul is a World War II veteran, beloved New Ulm community member, veteran advocate, neighbor, relative, and friend who will celebrate his 103rd birthday next week on June 19. Paul grew up on a farm near Comfrey, Minnesota, and when he turned 21, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, answering the call to serve his country like many in his family and like so many in the Greatest Generation. After completing basic training in San Diego, Paul served aboard the USS Mount Vernon and was stationed in various locations throughout the Pacific theater, including Okinawa. When he returned home from the war, Paul worked as a farmer and an excavator and went on to serve as a conservation officer for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for 25 years before retiring in 1983. Today, Paul is actively involved in several veterans' groups and community organizations. He volunteers with The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and VFW, as well as the Salvation Army and Lion's Club. Even at 103 years old, Paul continues to live each day to the fullest and finds time to enjoy the little things like a quiet morning catching crappies. Mr. Speaker, I thank Paul for the many ways he has made southern Minnesota a better place for all of us to call home. We wish him the happiest of birthdays and many more to come. ____________________
