November 15, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 183 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H8905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT JOSEPH RICHARD III

  (Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to Sergeant Joseph Richard III, a Louisiana native who gave his life 
fighting for our country during a third tour in Iraq in his 5 years of 
U.S. military service.
  Sergeant Richard was deeply devoted to his family and his country. He 
was a loving husband, son, brother, and uncle who dedicated much of his 
life to ensuring his loved ones--and every single one of us--were able 
to enjoy the many freedoms we too often take for granted.
  Sergeant Richard was the recipient of 12 distinguished service 
medals, including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
  He made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield fighting against 
one of our Nation's fiercest enemies, and, for that, he will never be 
forgotten.
  In fact, his parents, Joe and Elaine Richard, were both here in D.C. 
with us last week to memorialize forever their son's sacrifice in the 
Library of Congress' Veterans History Project.
  I take this moment to extend my sincerest and deepest appreciation to 
them and the countless others whose lives were blessed by Sergeant 
Richard. No one understands the true life of freedom more deeply.
  I pray that God's grace continues to comfort them, and I thank them 
for their service and sacrifices over the many years. We know our 
soldiers don't serve alone.
  Mr. and Mrs. Richard, thank you for raising a hero. We will also work 
hard here in Congress to honor your sacrifice and the sacrifices all of 
our soldiers make.

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