Floor SpeechNeutral2026-01-06

TRIBUTE TO PATRICK DOWNING

TaxesDefenseVeterans

Context

On 2026-01-06, Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO PATRICK DOWNING" in the Senate. The speech addressed taxes and also covered defense, veterans affairs. It referenced legislation: S47.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO PATRICK DOWNING

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S47] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO PATRICK DOWNING Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, the military will take you all over the world, but Sweet Home Alabama has a way of bringing people back. That is true for Mobile native Colonel Patrick Downing, who found his way back to the Bay after 36 years of military service. The son of a World War II marine, Pat enlisted in the Army at just 17 years old. In 1961, he signed up to be a part of the Special Forces unit, where he would serve for the next three decades--including two tours in Vietnam. Before he left, Pat married his high school sweetheart, Patricia, in a chapel at Fort Bragg. Upon arriving, Pat and his team were met with a mortar attack and told their unit had a bounty on their heads just for being in the country. But Pat wasn't deterred from his mission. He returned home briefly, where he and Patricia welcomed their first child Patti. Pat also completed Officer Candidate School during his time in between deployments at just 24 years old. Pat continued to show a determination for finishing what he started, earning his high school diploma and going on to complete a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. His final military role was as an adviser to the Army Reserves in Birmingham, AL. After retiring in 1996, Pat and Patricia knew that it was time to bring their family back to the Yellowhammer State for good after 19 moves over the years. He then used his passion for education to give back to his hometown, working at the University of South Alabama for more than 20 years until his retirement in 2015. He directed one of South's satellite campuses for 15 years and wrapped up his time directing transportation for the main campus and the Springhill campus. Pat hasn't slowed down in retirement. Now, he serves Alabama's veterans in a number of roles--including with American Legion Post 88, Veterans of Foreign Wars, South Alabama Council, USS Alabama Battleship Commission, and the Alabama State Board of Veterans Affairs. Of all the many ways Pat has served those around him, two experiences stick out the most: bringing over 1,000 World War II vets to DC through Honor Flight South Alabama and working to establish a State cemetery for veterans in Spanish Fort, AL. He and his wife are proud grandparents to seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. After traveling far and wide to protect our freedoms, I am glad Pat planted his roots down in Mobile. It is my honor to recognize him as the January Veteran of the Month. ____________________

View original source →

TRIBUTE TO PATRICK DOWNING Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S47] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO PATRICK DOWNING Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, the military will take you all over the world, but Sweet Home Alabama has a way of bringing people back. That is true for Mobile native Colonel Patrick Downing, who found his way back to the Bay after 36 years of military service. The son of a World War II marine, Pat enlisted in the Army at just 17 years old. In 1961, he signed up to be a part of the Special Forces unit, where he would serve for the next three decades--including two tours in Vietnam. Before he left, Pat married his high school sweetheart, Patricia, in a chapel at Fort Bragg. Upon arriving, Pat and his team were met with a mortar attack and told their unit had a bounty on their heads just for being in the country. But Pat wasn't deterred from his mission. He returned home briefly, where he and Patricia welcomed their first child Patti. Pat also completed Officer Candidate School during his time in between deployments at just 24 years old. Pat continued to show a determination for finishing what he started, earning his high school diploma and going on to complete a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. His final military role was as an adviser to the Army Reserves in Birmingham, AL. After retiring in 1996, Pat and Patricia knew that it was time to bring their family back to the Yellowhammer State for good after 19 moves over the years. He then used his passion for education to give back to his hometown, working at the University of South Alabama for more than 20 years until his retirement in 2015. He directed one of South's satellite campuses for 15 years and wrapped up his time directing transportation for the main campus and the Springhill campus. Pat hasn't slowed down in retirement. Now, he serves Alabama's veterans in a number of roles--including with American Legion Post 88, Veterans of Foreign Wars, South Alabama Council, USS Alabama Battleship Commission, and the Alabama State Board of Veterans Affairs. Of all the many ways Pat has served those around him, two experiences stick out the most: bringing over 1,000 World War II vets to DC through Honor Flight South Alabama and working to establish a State cemetery for veterans in Spanish Fort, AL. He and his wife are proud grandparents to seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. After traveling far and wide to protect our freedoms, I am glad Pat planted his roots down in Mobile. It is my honor to recognize him as the January Veteran of the Month. ____________________