June 10, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 96 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR BRAD SEMONELL

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                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 10, 2019

  Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor Command Sergeant 
Major Brad Semonell, who served in the United States Army for 26 years 
as a master parachute jumper, Intelligence Officer, and a great leader.
  Mr. Semonell was born in Cleveland, Ohio and ice skated throughout 
his childhood, earning a Silver medal at the state-level. Ice skating 
gave Mr. Semonell the athleticism and skills that helped to propel him 
to excellence in his military career when he enlisted at 18.
  Mr. Semonell became part of the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division. He 
then began Jump School at Ft. Benning and quickly became Squad Leader, 
eventually working his way up to become Platoon Sergeant. Mr. 
Semonell's military career was also marked by the significant role he 
played as an Intelligence Officer for the elite Army Special Forces in 
Vietnam and in East Germany while the Cuban Missile Crisis was 
unfolding. Throughout the 1960s, Mr. Semonell continued to serve and 
lead, advancing to Sergeant Major rank.
  In 1973 , Mr. Semonell earned his Canadian Jumping Wings by taking 
part in the first joint exercise with the Canadians since 1943. In 
1977, Mr. Semonell was promoted to Command Sergeant Major and retired 
from the Army in 1979. Over his career, Mr. Semonell made over five-
hundred parachute jumps. In one jump, Mr. Semonell severely injured his 
shoulder and neck; he still deals with the pain.
  Mr. Semonell's great strides and sacrifices for our nation have not 
gone unnoticed. He has earned numerous awards and recognitions 
including the Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, 
various Good Conduct Medals, Army Reserve Components Achievements 
Medals, and many more.
  After the Army, Mr. Semonell earned his General Contractor's License 
and started his own successful business, S & S Construction, with his 
son.
  In 2000, Mr. Semonell retired. Today, he is the dedicated Sergeant-
at-Arms for the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 291. He resides in 
his Anaheim home of over 40 years.
  Command Sergeant Major Brad Semonell embodies the leadership and 
sacrifice our great nation is built upon. I am proud to honor his 
military career and service to our nation.

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