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[Page H2766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Arkansas (Mr. Hill) for 5 minutes.
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise on National Medal of
Honor Day to recognize the recipients of our Nation's highest military
distinction for acts above and beyond the call of duty.
Twenty-five Medal of Honor recipients hail from Arkansas. Their
stories of self-sacrifice are not forgotten.
Today, we pay tribute to those individuals for their meticulous
service, sacrifice, and heroism.
I would like to also recognize and thank Arkansas Boy Scout Donald J.
Fitzgerald for his outstanding work to preserve the legacy of Medal of
Honor recipients and their stories.
Over the last 3 years, Donald has visited the graves of over 160
Medal of Honor recipients, documenting several Medal of Honor
recipients' stories and lives.
He chose to share with the world what he learned, and wrote a book
about his travels titled, ``Our Missions of Honor''.
I applaud Donald for his initiative, his efforts, and dedication to
all Medal of Honor recipients past and present.
We pray that their efforts may be long remembered by our citizens.
Gulf War Memorial
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two
fellow Arkansans, Jeff Kurczek and Brenten Byrd, for their valiant
efforts to memorialize the bravery and legacy of veterans who served in
Operation Desert Storm.
Operation Desert Storm was one of the most successful operations in
American military history. Over 700,000 Americans were deployed
overseas to liberate Kuwait from Saddam Hussein's invasion. 383
Americans lost their lives in that conflict, including four Arkansans.
Last month, former Vice President Dick Cheney and others took part in
the dedication of the future site for the National Operation Desert
Storm Memorial located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Jeff, a Sherwood, Arkansas, accountant, served our country for the
duration of the Gulf war and acts as the organization's treasurer and
CFO.
Brent lives in Elm Springs, Arkansas, where he works with the
Veteran's Affairs Department on the mental well-being of our veterans.
He served honorably in the U.S. Marines and later in the U.S. Army
during Desert Storm. He now acts as the organization's communications
director.
I thank them for their service to our Nation and commend their good
work and efforts to honor the brave men and women who took part in
Operation Desert Storm.
Van Buren County Wellness Committee
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the
efforts of the committed professionals at Van Buren County and their
determination to improve that community's health and well-being.
The Van Buren County Wellness Committee, founded by former County
Judge Roger Hooper in 2017, seeks to create a bridge between local
health resources, information, and initiatives to improve the health
and well-being of the residents.
At present, three grant-funded health-awareness kiosks have been
installed across the county featuring asset mapping of community health
resources and county health initiatives.
These kiosks allow residents to find the best doctors and healthcare
services within their communities, connecting individuals with the
services they need, from food insecurity to mental health support and
recovery.
I would like to extend a hand of gratitude and congratulations to
Roger and the entire Van Buren County Wellness Committee for their
worthwhile investment in the health of our citizens in that county.
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