HONORING VETERAN JAMES SMITH, JR.

On Mon Mar 23, Representative Lance Gooden (R-TX-5) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING VETERAN JAMES SMITH, JR." in the House. The speech addressed foreign policy and also covered defense, China.

HONORING VETERAN JAMES SMITH, JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E256] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING VETERAN JAMES SMITH, JR. ______ HON. LANCE GOODEN of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 24, 2026 Mr. GOODEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the historic life and accomplishments of Veteran James Smith, Jr. of Terrell, Texas. Mr. Smith, Jr.'s life has been dedicated to service. Serving eight years in the Navy, he had various deployments and held the rank of E-5 at the time of his discharge. He began his fearless journey in Boot Camp in San Diego, which was followed by an assignment in Whidbey, Washington. Mr. Smith, Jr. then served on a crash crew on the USS Boxer out of San Francisco, where he frequently wore asbestos suits as protection from frequent bombing raids. In the great state of Texas, he served two years at Naval Air Station Kingsville and another term with an air squadron in Virginia. Mr. Smith, Jr. was stationed in Patuxent River, Maryland, in his final two years of service and graduated from the Combat Airman School. For his dedicated service to our Nation, he received several honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Three-Star Attachments. It is my honor to recognize Mr. Smith, Jr.'s long life of service to our country and community, and I wish him the best in the coming years. ____________________