[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 172 (Thursday, December 5, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          VELTON LOCKLEAR III

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BETO O'ROURKE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 5, 2013

  Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Army 
Sgt. Velton Locklear III, who died while serving his nation in Iraq.
  Sergeant Locklear, known as ``Lock'' by his friends, was an El 
Pasoan, and graduate of Eastwood High School. During high school, he 
excelled at football and was an All-Star wide receiver.
  Sergeant Locklear, like so many of his family members, wanted to 
serve in the Armed Forces. His two sisters, Julie and Lori, served in 
the Army and his father is retired Sgt. Maj. Velton Locklear Jr., who 
served in the Army for over 24 years.
  After going to college at North Texas University, Velton decided to 
serve his country by joining the Army. During his career, he served two 
tours of duty in Iraq. He volunteered for his first tour of duty and 
began his deployment in February of 2004. Soldiers who served with him, 
described Locklear as a gentle giant, who made the day better with 
words of encouragement during hard times and witty humor in good times. 
Another soldier said Sergeant Locklear was like a breath of fresh air; 
always positive, always had a smile on his face. His first tour ended 
in March 2005.
  The second time Locklear deployed to Iraq was with the 25th Infantry, 
3rd Brigade 2-27th Infantry Battalion in August of 2005. On Sept. 23 
Mr. Locklear died in Riyadh, Iraq due to injuries suffered when an 
improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat.
  Mr. Locklear was a committed and loving husband to his wife Denise 
and their two sons, Velton IV and Nathan, who reside in El Paso. He 
served our country courageously and with honor. Sergeant Locklear's 
service and dedication is an example to others and I am proud to honor 
him as a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United 
States.

                          ____________________