The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING MAJOR ROBERT CAMINA” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E503-E504 on March 16, 2011.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING MAJOR ROBERT CAMINA
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HON. HENRY CUELLAR
of texas
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Major Robert Camina for his dedication and contributions to the United States Army and the Army Texas National Guard.
Major Camina started his military career on November 10, 1939 in San Antonio, Texas. He joined with the Mechanized Group Troop of the 124th Cavalry of the 56th Cavalry Brigade. Major Camina originally joined to ride horses, but when WWII broke he was given overseas orders and his unit became the last Cavalry Regiment to be dismounted. During his tour in the China-Burma-India Theatre, Major Camina served as a M.G. Squad Leader and fought alongside 1st Lieutenant Jack L. Knight, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor. For his service in the tour, Major Camina received the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.
After the war, Major Camina was discharged from military service, but rejoined in the Army Texas National Guard for 1 year. After Major Camina's military term, the U.S. Department of Agriculture hired him for the next 5 years to aid in their campaign to eradicate Hoof and Mouth Disease from Mexico. Later, Major Camina returned to Brownsville, Texas and joined the A/112th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He served in the 112th until the 49th Armored Division was activated into Federal Service by President Kennedy due to the Berlin Crisis. In 1966, Major Camina served as a Mess Steward for the next 15 years. In 1981, Major Camina retired from the Army Texas National Guard and was commissioned as a Captain in the Texas State Guard. He served as Company Commander, S-3 and S-4 in the 304th Military Police Battalion in Brownsville, Texas. He retired on October 29, 1989--almost 50 years to the date of his enlistment of the Texas National Guard.
During his time in military service, Major Camina was a highly decorated soldier. The Major received the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Texas Outstanding Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Texas Faithful Service Medal and the Texas State Guard Service Medal. He also received many awards as a Mess Steward and helped his company win the Eisenhower Trophy twice.
Military service runs in his family, as four of his brothers also served in military branches. Armando Camina served in the United States Army, was considered for up to six Congressional Medals of Honor, and received a silver medal. Tino Camina served in the United States Navy and Ernest Camino served in the Air Force. Major Camina and his brothers fought for the United States and served to protect this great nation.
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the time to recognize the dedication, accomplishments, and commitment of the late Major Robert Camina.
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