WHEREAS, As Washingtonians, we owe a debt of gratitude to all members of the armed forces, but in particular, the few remaining members of the greatest generation who served in World War II; and

WHEREAS, One of those individuals is Shelton's Burton Stoltz, turning 95 years old this month; his dedication to service and commitment to hard work, solidifies his status as one of the best among us; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Stoltz enlisted in the Navy in 1943, serving with distinction in the Pacific campaign during World War II, earning the following medals: Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, The American Theater Campaign, Navy Good Conduct, and World War II Victory medal, finally being honorably discharged in 1949; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Stoltz returned to his family ranch, ensuring the country's food security for 25 years, subsequently moving to Washington State and pursuing a career as the entrepreneur of a mechanic's shop for five years, eventually to be employed and retire from Lang's Manufacturing in Redmond, Washington after 15 years of service. He then continued his career at Pioneer Elementary in Shelton, Washington, where he ensured proper maintenance and sanitation for school children for an additional 20 years into his 80s; and

WHEREAS, Burton Stoltz retired for a second time and spent eight years in the Pioneer Elementary school reading to children, helping inspire the next generation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives express its thanks and deepest appreciation to Mr. Burton Stoltz for his life of dedication and service as a World War II veteran, and an honorable Washingtonian and American; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Burton Stoltz, and his daughter, Susan Wichers.