TRIBUTE TO BILLY DOOLY

On 2026-09-22, Senator John Boozman (R-AR) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO BILLY DOOLY" in the Senate.

TRIBUTE TO BILLY DOOLY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 150 (Tuesday, September 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 150 (Tuesday, September 22, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4853-S4854] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO BILLY DOOLY Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 90th birthday of Billy Dooly. Born and raised in Fort Smith, Billy graduated from the University of Arkansas and began a distinguished 20- [[Page S4854]] year career in the U.S. Army after receiving a direct commission as an air defense artillery officer. While serving in uniform, he earned an MBA in industrial management from the University of Arkansas and went on to complete two tours with the Army general staff at the Pentagon. He also deployed to the Far East, including twice as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Dooly earned numerous military decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 21 oakleaf clusters and three ``V'' devices for exceptional valor, and the Bronze Star Medal with one oakleaf cluster. Following his retirement from the Army in 1981, he returned to his hometown to be near his family but continued his commitment to serving a community we both cherished. He initially worked as vice president and general manager of North American Foundry before joining the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce as president in 1987, providing invaluable leadership for 16 years. During his tenure at the chamber, Dooly was an outspoken advocate for the business community and a champion for the military and veteran community throughout the region. Among his many projects, he was a tireless advocate to complete the I-49 corridor, working with leaders from multiple States to pursue this critical project. Although he retired from the chamber in 2003, his impact on the area's infrastructure and strong community support for the military continues today. His contributions over the years have been recognized through many honors including the Mayor's Spirit of the Frontier Award and inductions into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Hospitality Association Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Military Veterans' Hall of Fame. Above all, Dooly has always been a tremendous leader, whether in uniform, in business, or making a difference in his community. As he celebrates his 90th birthday, I thank him for his continued service to Arkansas. I wish him a happy birthday and many more years of health and happiness and very much appreciate his friendship of many years. ____________________