[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E506-E507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING WALTER RICHARDSON UPON RECEIVING THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD 
                                 MEDAL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 2010

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Walter Richardson, a veteran, a Tuskegee Airman, and a true American 
hero. Walt has spent his life dedicated to his country, his community, 
and his family, and I am proud to honor his achievements and life of 
service.
  A Pensacola, Florida native, Walt Richardson is first and foremost an 
American patriot. During his thirty years with the United States Air 
Force, Walt served in many of our Nation's wars and conflicts. Walt 
joined the revered Tuskegee Airmen, training at Tuskegee Army Airfield 
in a variety of disciplines that would serve him throughout his entire 
career. During his time with the Tuskegee Airmen, Walt was part of 
``Operation Happiness,'' the first all-military troupe to entertain at 
air bases. His military service also took him to Vietnam, and while 
stationed at Dover Air Force Base, Walt became the first African-
American to be promoted to master sergeant in the field maintenance 
squadron. He retired as a chief master sergeant, the highest enlisted 
rank in the Air Force.
  Beyond his full-time career with the Air Force, Walt is a dedicated 
community servant in Northwest Florida. For the past 29 years, he has 
served as a permanent deacon of St. Mary Parish in Fort Walton Beach. 
He also recently completed a book about his life story entitled ``How 
Great Thou Art: A Black Boy's Depression-era Success Story.'' In 2009, 
Walt traveled to Washington, DC, as a special guest of the President 
for the inauguration. For his service to his country as part of the 
Tuskegee Airmen, I have the honor of presenting Walter Richardson the 
Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor in the United 
States.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am humbled 
to venerate Walt Richardson as an American hero and a community leader. 
Our Nation is proud and grateful for his courage, service, and 
patriotism. My wife Vicki and all wish all the best to Walt, his wife, 
Helen, his eight children, his grandchildren, and his entire extended 
family.

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