U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Announces Veterans History Project Interview Featuring Lance Corporal Ron Zaleski, United States Marine Corps (Vietnam)

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SARASOTA - U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today released the latest installment in his ongoing Veterans History Project Series, honoring the military service of constituents from Florida's 17th District. This interview features Lance Corporal Ron Zaleski, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served from 1970 to 1972, including a deployment to Vietnam.

In 1969, when Zaleski's number was called in the draft lottery, he chose to voluntarily enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Zaleski would serve his country with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment (3/7) in Vietnam. For his time in the Marines, Zaleski was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

Since completing his military service, Zaleski has become a champion for veterans and their families. In 2006, Zaleski formed the nonprofit The Long Walk Home, devoted to assisting veterans with suicide prevention and rehabilitation. That same year, he walked barefoot across the Appalachian Trail to raise awareness for veterans and their families. He would follow this with several other walks across America to highlight the importance of caring for America's warriors when they return home from war.

"I thank Lance Corporal Ron Zaleski for sharing his story of service to our country with the Veterans History Project," said Rep. Steube. "From his time in Vietnam to his inspiring work on behalf of our veterans, Zaleski's life is a testament to the character and goodwill of the U.S. Marine Corps. On behalf of a grateful nation, I salute him for his service and unfailing devotion to his fellow servicemembers and their families."

Please click here to watch the full interview.

Be sure to check Congressman Steube's YouTube channel in the future for upcoming interviews.The Office of Congressman Greg Steube will submit the interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress's American Folklife Center to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation's veterans.Initially started in 2000, the Veterans History Project aims to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of the United States military veterans and Gold Star Families so that future generations may hear directly from the veterans and better understand their service. Researchers, scholars, and educators rely upon VHP collections as a primary source. The oral histories, photographs, manuscripts, and other original materials supplement historical texts and valued cultural resources. Veterans from all branches and ranks of the United States military who served in World War I through the more recent conflicts are eligible to participate. For more information on the VHP, please visit https://www.loc.gov/vets/.If you live in Florida's 17th Congressional district, please visit https://steube.house.gov/services/vhp to participate.