Floor SpeechUrgent2026-04-13

RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES ARMY SGT. MICHAEL DEBONIS FOR HIS PUBLIC AND MILITARY SERVICE

DefenseCrime & JusticeVeterans

Context

On 2026-04-13, Representative Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES ARMY SGT. MICHAEL DEBONIS FOR HIS PUBLIC AND MILITARY SERVICE" in the House. The speech addressed defense and also covered crime and justice, veterans affairs.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES ARMY SGT. MICHAEL DEBONIS FOR HIS PUBLIC AND MILITARY SERVICE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E314-E315] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES ARMY SGT. MICHAEL DEBONIS FOR HIS PUBLIC AND MILITARY SERVICE _____ HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Monday, April 13, 2026 Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional individual from my district--Bucks County's own, Sgt. Michael DeBonis. A courageous U.S. Army veteran and dedicated public servant, Sgt. DeBonis assisted thousands of veterans in our community in receiving the benefits they earned, organized trips to war memorials, and led seminars with local law enforcement to better assist veterans in crisis. I proudly commend him, following decades of committed service to not only the people of Bucks County, but to our Nation as well. Drafted into the U.S. Army on May 7, 1968, Michael served in Vietnam, specializing as a Military Policeman. Through his resolute dedication to our Nation, he earned the Army Commendation Medal with 2 Overseas Bars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with a Silver Star for five campaigns, and the Good Conduct Medal. Returning home to his wife Lynne in December of 1969, Michael devoted his career to serving the brave veterans who served alongside him. As Senior Commander of VFW Post 6393 and Member of the VA Advisory Board for the Horsham, Pennsylvania Clinic, Sgt. DeBonis provided strategic guidance, advisory services, [[Page E315]] event organization, and VA assistance to countless veterans throughout my district. The friendship and camaraderie with his fellow veterans remain unwavering and given without reservation. Sgt. DeBonis was not only dedicated, but he was also selfless. While serving as Vice President of the Bucks County Tour of Honor, he organized free trips for thousands of veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit their respective war memorials. In his free time, Sgt. DeBonis is an avid lover of the outdoors. On land, he is an ardent bird photographer, woodworker, astronomer, and restaurateur. On the water, he is a passionate fly fisherman. Through these pursuits, he not only enriched his own life, but also fostered a deep appreciation for nature, craftsmanship, and his community above all. Most notably, Sgt. DeBonis is known as a trusted mentor and leader. He is always willing to assist a fellow veteran, being the right person to turn to for invaluable guidance and support. His indispensable knowledge, veteran advocacy, and sound judgement are just a few of the hallmarks that make Sergeant Michael DeBonis the outstanding man he is today. Mr. Speaker, I extend my heartfelt recognition to Sgt. Michael DeBonis for his ongoing veteran advocacy and thank him for his decades of distinguished service to the citizens of Bucks County and beyond. His leadership and dedication will leave a lasting mark on the community he so faithfully serves. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES ARMY SGT. MICHAEL DEBONIS FOR HIS PUBLIC AND MILITARY SERVICE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E314-E315] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES ARMY SGT. MICHAEL DEBONIS FOR HIS PUBLIC AND MILITARY SERVICE _____ HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Monday, April 13, 2026 Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional individual from my district--Bucks County's own, Sgt. Michael DeBonis. A courageous U.S. Army veteran and dedicated public servant, Sgt. DeBonis assisted thousands of veterans in our community in receiving the benefits they earned, organized trips to war memorials, and led seminars with local law enforcement to better assist veterans in crisis. I proudly commend him, following decades of committed service to not only the people of Bucks County, but to our Nation as well. Drafted into the U.S. Army on May 7, 1968, Michael served in Vietnam, specializing as a Military Policeman. Through his resolute dedication to our Nation, he earned the Army Commendation Medal with 2 Overseas Bars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with a Silver Star for five campaigns, and the Good Conduct Medal. Returning home to his wife Lynne in December of 1969, Michael devoted his career to serving the brave veterans who served alongside him. As Senior Commander of VFW Post 6393 and Member of the VA Advisory Board for the Horsham, Pennsylvania Clinic, Sgt. DeBonis provided strategic guidance, advisory services, [[Page E315]] event organization, and VA assistance to countless veterans throughout my district. The friendship and camaraderie with his fellow veterans remain unwavering and given without reservation. Sgt. DeBonis was not only dedicated, but he was also selfless. While serving as Vice President of the Bucks County Tour of Honor, he organized free trips for thousands of veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit their respective war memorials. In his free time, Sgt. DeBonis is an avid lover of the outdoors. On land, he is an ardent bird photographer, woodworker, astronomer, and restaurateur. On the water, he is a passionate fly fisherman. Through these pursuits, he not only enriched his own life, but also fostered a deep appreciation for nature, craftsmanship, and his community above all. Most notably, Sgt. DeBonis is known as a trusted mentor and leader. He is always willing to assist a fellow veteran, being the right person to turn to for invaluable guidance and support. His indispensable knowledge, veteran advocacy, and sound judgement are just a few of the hallmarks that make Sergeant Michael DeBonis the outstanding man he is today. Mr. Speaker, I extend my heartfelt recognition to Sgt. Michael DeBonis for his ongoing veteran advocacy and thank him for his decades of distinguished service to the citizens of Bucks County and beyond. His leadership and dedication will leave a lasting mark on the community he so faithfully serves. ____________________