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[Page H2837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING COLONEL CRAIG OSBORNE
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis) for 5 minutes.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to
congratulate Colonel Craig Osborne, a soldier in my district who will
be retiring this week after 30 years of service in the United States
Army.
Colonel Osborne graduated from Illinois State University in 1989 as a
distinguished military graduate, and during his time with the Army, he
has participated in a total of five combat deployments: Operation
Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Joint Guard, Operation
Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Time and time again, Colonel Osborne has answered the call to serve
his country. He has served at the headquarters of Allied Land Forces
Southeastern Europe in Turkey, as well as the chief of staff for a
combined, joint, and interagency task force in Kabul, Afghanistan.
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In his current position with the National Defense University, he
contributes to the education of future generations of our
servicemembers.
Among his many distinctions, Colonel Osborne has earned three Defense
Superior Service Medals, the Legion of Merit, five Bronze Star Medals,
three Defense Meritorious Service Medals, the Combat Infantryman's
Badge, and numerous other awards.
Words cannot express how thankful I am for Colonel Osborne's service.
He is a great example of someone who has dedicated his life to serving
his country, and I am proud to honor him today.
Congratulations on your retirement, Colonel.
Remembering Gary Jones
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember
Gary Jones, a good friend and dedicated police officer who passed away
earlier this month after a long battle with cancer.
Gary and I both grew up in Taylorville, Illinois. After graduation,
he went on to serve in the Army and in the Army National Guard. He
eventually became a police officer in our hometown. He was proud of his
job and always loved going to schools to teach students about the
police station and his job protecting our community.
Outside of work, Gary's greatest hobby was firearms. He was a
gunsmith, a proud member of the NRA, a master firearms instructor, and
my and my wife's concealed carry instructor. Gary loved teaching people
about the responsibility of owning firearms and teaching people the
importance of gun safety.
I will remember Gary as a true example of patriotism and service to
our community that we share as a hometown. He made a tremendous impact
on the lives of many in Taylorville, and he will truly be missed.
My prayers are with his wife, Gina; their four children, Logan,
Kaylee, Tanner, and Dylan; and all those like me who were blessed to
know Gary Jones.
Slow Down to Protect First Responders
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to
highlight a dangerous, disturbing, and unacceptable trend in Illinois
and across the country. It is the rising number of first responders
being struck by drivers.
We are not even 3 months into this year, and 14 members of the
Illinois State Police have been struck by drivers while on the road or
responding to incidents. These accidents have resulted in one fatality
and more than a dozen injuries.
Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect
us, and it is inexcusable to have this number of them injured by errant
and distracted drivers. These numbers average out to more than one
trooper struck per week and is nearly double the number of incidents in
all of 2018.
Even though every State has laws requiring drivers to change lanes or
slow down when vehicles or emergency personnel are on the side of the
road, these tragedies keep occurring. For the safety of our first
responders, construction workers, and tow truck drivers, please slow
down, avoid distractions, and be alert on the road to help save lives
and buck this tragic trend.
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