Floor SpeechNeutral2026-07-15

HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLIE DICKINSON

Veterans

Context

On 2026-07-15, Representative Jason Smith (R-MO-8) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLIE DICKINSON" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLIE DICKINSON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E694] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLIE DICKINSON ______ HON. JASON SMITH of missouri in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Charlie Dickinson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and Vietnam War veteran. Mr. Dickinson was born in Lebanon, Missouri, in 1950, but at age thirteen, he moved to his family's dairy farm in Hartville. Shortly after he graduated high school in 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division in the Vietnam War. Following his service, he returned to Lebanon where he worked at Lowe Boats until his retirement. Mr. Dickinson was a pillar in the Hartville community where he served as a member of the Elk Creek Baptist Church, an avid supporter of Hartville High School sports and academic programs, and an active member of numerous local organizations. He was also a proud third baseman for the community softball team which he joined in the 1970s. Outside of his local community, Mr. Dickinson also dedicated much of his life to serving his fellow veterans through his involvement in organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He consistently advocated for veterans, helped them obtain their service benefits, and would often be found placing flags on hundreds of graves each year to honor the legacy of his fellow soldiers. He was a champion for veterans' rights in not only Jefferson City, but also in Washington, D.C., for which he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the VFW. It is my privilege to recognize Mr. Dickinson, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his life and service to our state and country. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLIE DICKINSON Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E694] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLIE DICKINSON ______ HON. JASON SMITH of missouri in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Charlie Dickinson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and Vietnam War veteran. Mr. Dickinson was born in Lebanon, Missouri, in 1950, but at age thirteen, he moved to his family's dairy farm in Hartville. Shortly after he graduated high school in 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division in the Vietnam War. Following his service, he returned to Lebanon where he worked at Lowe Boats until his retirement. Mr. Dickinson was a pillar in the Hartville community where he served as a member of the Elk Creek Baptist Church, an avid supporter of Hartville High School sports and academic programs, and an active member of numerous local organizations. He was also a proud third baseman for the community softball team which he joined in the 1970s. Outside of his local community, Mr. Dickinson also dedicated much of his life to serving his fellow veterans through his involvement in organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He consistently advocated for veterans, helped them obtain their service benefits, and would often be found placing flags on hundreds of graves each year to honor the legacy of his fellow soldiers. He was a champion for veterans' rights in not only Jefferson City, but also in Washington, D.C., for which he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the VFW. It is my privilege to recognize Mr. Dickinson, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his life and service to our state and country. ____________________