[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 178 (Monday, December 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION 
                    FOR THE THIRD DISTRICT OF TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 16, 2013

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor 
fourteen distinguished military veterans, community servants, and 
American patriots who call the Third District of Texas home. All 
faithfully answered the call of duty and placed service above self for 
the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves a legacy to be 
remembered, for future generations to follow, a legacy of bravery, 
loyalty, dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless service, bold 
leadership, and undying commitment for their neighbor and nation, the 
following individual has been selected as a recipient of the third 
annual Congressional Veteran Commendation:
  Colonel Richard H. Graham served in the United States Air Force from 
1964 to 1989. He entered pilot training at Craig Air Force Base in 
Alabama. Once he graduated he remained at Craig AFB as a T-37 
instructor pilot and flight examiner. In 1970, Mr. Graham was assigned 
to the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Udom Air Force Base in 
Thailand. During this time he flew 145 combat missions over North 
Vietnam and Laos in F-4C/D/E aircraft. He ended his military career 
honorably with more than 4,600 flying hours.
  For his years of distinguished service, Mr. Graham received numerous 
decorations including a Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross 
with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak 
Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 18 Oak Leaf Clusters, and an Air Force 
Outstanding Unity Award with Valor.
  Mr. Graham has continued to serve since his retirement from the 
military. He is actively involved in many charities and contributes his 
time and life experiences giving motivational speeches around the 
country. His main charitable work is through the four books he wrote on 
the SR-71. He donates the royalties from these books to aviation 
museums including the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in D.C. and the 
Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas.
  Colonel Richard Graham, let me both thank and congratulate you on 
your exceptional service to our country and community both past and 
present. It is my pleasure to award you the 2013 Congressional Veteran 
Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

                          ____________________