[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING JACQUES ALEXANDER MARQUIS MATTHEWS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable 22-year-old young man from Shaw, Mississippi. Jacques 
Alexander Marquis Matthews has answered the call of duty to his country 
and is currently serving as an active soldier in the Mississippi 
National Guard stationed in Afghanistan.
  Specialist Matthews comes from a lineage filled with military 
servicemen and women. His paternal grandfather, Mr. William Carter, is 
a Vietnam Veteran who served in the United States Air Force; his 
maternal uncle, Mr. James Attaway, served in the United States Marines; 
and his mother, Ramona Matthews, had just enlisted in the United States 
Army when she learned she was pregnant with her first child, Jacques.
  Specialist Matthews was raised in a single parent home by his mother, 
Ramona, along with his two younger brothers, Chauncey and Malik. 
Specialist Matthews understood the pain of his mother as she struggled 
to provide for them and the reproach of his grandparents, William and 
Alicestean Carter and Susie Matthews. As his mother's oldest child, 
much was expected of him and he wanted to fulfill those expectations. 
But like many other young men, what appears to be quick and easy was 
tempting. And sometimes he was prey to those temptations. In fact he 
said and I quote, ``my mother was more determined than me--for me to 
succeed. So, she snatched me from that wrong path and told me my life 
had three paths it could take and I had to choose one right then, 
college, military, or she was going to commit a homicide and that's all 
I needed to know. Needless to say, I chose the military.''
  Mr. Speaker, Specialist Matthews has a litany of highlights during 
his military career including:
  2008 Year. Specialist Matthews enlisted in the Mississippi National 
Guard.
  August 2008-October 2008. Specialist Matthews did his basic training 
at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
  October 2008. Specialist Matthews completed his basic training. He 
was recognized during graduation for having scored a perfect 300 on the 
physical fitness portion of the training.
  July 10, 2010-July 31, 2010. Specialist Matthews was a member of the 
2089th Vertical Company, 223rd Engineer Battalion. He received the Army 
Achievement Medal for his Superior and Unflagging Support of his unit.
  November 6, 2010. Specialist Matthews was honored with the Commanders 
Award for scoring 297 on the Annual Army Physical Fitness Test while he 
was a member of the 223rd Engineer Battalion.
  November 7, 2010. Specialist Matthews while in the 168th Engineer 
Brigade received the Silver Castle Challenge Certificate of Achievement 
for having completed the Army Physical Fitness test with a score of 
297. He was recognized for distinguishing himself by his excellent 
conditioning. He is truly to be commended for the accomplishment and 
deserving of the recognition for his sacrifice and self-discipline.
  May 2011. Specialist Matthews was in the 2089th Vertical Construction 
Company when he was honored with the Army Meritorious Achievement Medal 
for his selfish service, loyalty and honor, dedication and integrity as 
an example for all to follow for his significant contribution to the 
success of his unit and the Mississippi Army National Guard.
  October 2011-November 2011. Specialist Matthews received the 
Meritorious Service Award in recognition of his superior physical 
ability during the annual training while assigned to Detachment 1 of 
the 2089th Vertical Construction Company.
  May 7, 2012. Specialist Matthews' unit, the 289th Vertical 
Construction Company, 223rd Engineer Battalion was activated to 
Afghanistan.
  I want Specialist Matthews' story to serve as a one of encouragement 
to those who think there is no hope for change and to those who 
prejudge someone because of their circumstances. Specialist Matthews 
has expressed great interest in building an exciting career in the 
military answering the call at home and abroad whenever and wherever he 
is needed.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Specialist 
Jacques Alexander Marquis Matthews, from the Second Congressional 
District of Mississippi, now serving as a member of the Mississippi 
National Guard currently stationed in Afghanistan. As he so proudly 
represents the United States, I too am proud to represent him as a 
Member of Congress. I wish him a continued rewarding military career 
and a safe return home to the United States.

                          ____________________