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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN HONOR OF MATTHEW BRADFORD
______
HON. ANDY BARR
of kentucky
in the house of representatives
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a unique
and special man, Corporal (Ret.) Matthew Bradford. Matthew is stepping
down as Veterans Outreach Coordinator in my District office.
Matthew enlisted in the United States Marine Corps when he graduated
from high school and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines,
Echo Company, 2nd Platoon. He was deployed to Iraq in 2006, and on
January 18, 2007 he was injured by an Improvised Explosive Device. His
severe injuries left him a blind double amputee. Matthew persevered and
learned to overcome and adapt from his injuries. Matthew became the
first blind amputee in history to re-enlist in the Marine Corps in
2010. On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank him for his service, his
sacrifice, and his patriotism.
Matthew Bradford is a very determined individual. After his service
with the Marine Corps ended, he married his ``Warrior Princess''
Amanda. Together they have three children. Through hard work and
determination, Matthew graduated from the University of Kentucky.
Matthew has found his purpose in motivating and encouraging others to
overcome difficult obstacles. He spends a great deal of time speaking
to groups and individuals and participating in challenging athletic
events such as marathons, skydiving, surfing, hunting, and climbing
7000 feet up Mt. Rainier.
Matthew came to work in the Sixth Congressional District office in
the spring of 2017, serving first as a college intern, then as a
National Security Fellow, and lastly as the Veterans Outreach
Coordinator. In his work in the district office, Matthew has been a
strong advocate for veterans. He worked with our Veterans Coalition and
it has grown tremendously under his leadership. Matthew has worked on
many outreach initiatives, including a Facebook page, and has worked
diligently to improve the lives of America's veterans. His work with
veterans has made quite a difference. His passion, his humor, and his
determination will be greatly missed.
Matthew has earned many honors, including the Purple Heart Medal, the
George Van Cleve Military Leadership Award, the Gary Sinise Hope for
the Warriors Award, and induction into the Kentucky Veterans Hall of
Fame. He was also invited by President Trump to attend the 2018 State
of the Union Address. In his position in the Sixth District office, he
has earned the respect of all his co-workers and of all the
constituents with whom he interacted. He leaves a lasting legacy as a
servant leader.
I am honored to call Matthew a loyal and trusted friend. I wish him
all the best as he moves on to other interests. I thank Corporal
Bradford for his friendship, his tireless work on behalf of the people
of the Sixth District, and his outstanding service to our country.
____________________
