RECOGNIZING TECHNICAL SERGEANT FLETCHER SHARP, RECIPIENT OF TEXAS' THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2019 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 170
(Extensions of Remarks - October 28, 2019)
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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1345-E1346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING TECHNICAL SERGEANT FLETCHER SHARP, RECIPIENT OF TEXAS'
THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2019 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION
______
HON. VAN TAYLOR
of texas
in the house of representatives
Monday, October 28, 2019
Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, it is my privilege to honor twelve
distinguished military veterans from Texas' Third Congressional
District who answered the call to serve their Nation honorably, both in
uniform and following their return to civilian life. The recipients of
the 2019 Congressional Veteran Commendation exemplify the time-honored
qualities of patriotism, service before self, and bold leadership.
Following their time in service, their efforts in our community have
earned these fine individuals recognition as the recipients of this
prestigious commendation. Their stories of sacrifice will encourage
future generations to pursue a life dedicated to the very values we
cherish as Americans: faith, freedom, and democracy. One such hero is
Technical Sergeant Fletcher Sharp of Plano, Texas.
Technical Sergeant Fletcher Sharp joined the United States Air Force
in 1963. Following technician training school, he worked as an aircraft
crew chief supporting the 436th Military Airlift Wing at Dover Air
Force Base in Delaware and volunteered as a member of the base honor
and color guards. In 1966, he was transferred to the 51st Fighter
Interceptor Wing at Naha Air Base in Okinawa in support of the F-102
Delta Dagger and was later deployed on C-130A resupply sorties to bases
in Vietnam and Thailand. For his efforts, he awarded the Air Force
Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Award, Air Force Outstanding
Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service
Medal, Air Force Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Ribbon,
Texas ANG Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, and the Small Arms
Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.
Upon his discharge, Mr. Sharp joined the Pennsylvania Air National
Guard as a flight engineer on C-121 Super Constellation aircraft
performing aero-medical evacuations. During the next twenty-three
years, he would also serve in the Air National Guards of Maine,
Vermont, and Texas. Most recently, he was deployed with the Texas Air
National Guard from 1992 to 1995 to support the United Nations
humanitarian missions to Sarajevo and throughout Bosnia and
Herzegovina.
For over thirty years, Fletcher has been active in a variety of
service organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and
American Legion Post 321 where he has held leadership positions
including Sergeant at Arms, Judge Advocate, and Vice Commander. Mr.
Sharp has also held the role of Post Honor Guard Commander, providing
military funeral honors for veterans and participating in local
Veterans Day and Memorial events. Mr. Sharp has also taken a lead to
ensure that an American flag is placed on every veteran grave in the
Plano Mutual Cemetery every Memorial Day to pay tribute to those who
served. Further, as an active member of the Civil Air Patrol, Mr. Sharp
has held a variety of leadership positions including his work with the
cadet program where he assists with developing leadership skills,
character development and aerospace education. Finally, as an active
member of the Seidel Chapter of the Air Force Association, Mr. Sharp
acts as a Liaison Officer between the organization and CAP to promote
the scholarship program for cadets participating in flight academies.
Mr. Sharp displays the qualities of a true patriot who has
selflessly served our nation and who continues to mentor our next
generation of military leaders.
Today, a grateful Nation thanks Technical Sergeant Sharp for his
exceptional service and congratulates him on this recognition. May his
steadfast example of leadership inspire others to live a life of
service to a cause greater than themselves. It is my extreme honor to
award him the 2019 Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third
District of Texas.
[[Page E1346]]
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