HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-4657

HR 4657

ByRepresentative Couture

WHEREAS, Washington's deepest gratitude is owed to the members of the greatest generation who served courageously in World War II, having fought valiantly in defense of our nation and the freedom of all people; and

WHEREAS, Belonging to the remnant of that generation is Harvey J. Drahos: Father, friend, soldier, scholar, pilot, philanthropist, police officer, community leader, chiropractor, search and rescue operator, and leader; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Drahos was born January 5, 1923, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Drahos enlisted in the United States Army on March 24, 1943, serving in the 96th Infantry Division, 382nd Infantry Regiment, S-Company during the Battle of Leyte, Philippines and the Battle of Okinawa, Japan where he was wounded and at the time of his honorable discharge in February of 1946, he had earned numerous medals including Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, as well as Combat Infantry Badge, World War II Honorable Service Button, and Presidential Unit Citation; and

WHEREAS, Upon returning to civilian life, Mr. Drahos demonstrated his characteristic diligence and perseverance as he took jobs from gas station attendant to City of Los Angeles Motorcycle Officer in the Hollywood Division prior to attending university; and

WHEREAS, Upon attending university in Barstow, California, Mr. Drahos initially earned an advanced chiropractic degree, but would soon earn Disaster Administrator Certificate, and go on to pursue a Juris Doctorate; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Drahos has dedicated his life to service and the betterment of his community through participation in San Bernadino Disaster Relief, Red Cross, Rotary, Kiwanis, Giant Inter-Club in Las Vegas, United States Air Force Auxiliary Search and Rescue Pilot, Certified Public Administration, Radiological Defense Officer, and offering legal coaching to veterans; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Drahos has previously been recognized by the City of Lacey, United States Representative Marilyn Strickland, and the administration of President Ronald Reagan for his lifetime of work and continued dedication to our nation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives express its thanks and appreciation to Mr. Harvey Drahos, without whom Washington state and the Nation as a whole could not be successful; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Harvey J. Drahos.