[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 54 (Thursday, April 3, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E513-E514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT WALTER 
                      H. RICHARDSON, USAF, RETIRED

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2014

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life of 
Chief Master Sergeant Walter H. Richardson, USAF, Retired, who passed 
away on March 29, 2014. Walt, who built his life ``on three pillars of 
faith, hope, and love,'' was dedicated to his country, his community, 
his family, and above all, the Lord. I am privileged to honor a truly 
remarkable man and American hero.
   Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Walt joined the Armed Forces 
to serve his country and help provide for his family. His career in the 
Armed Forces spanned thirty years and included service in the Korean 
and Vietnam Wars. Walt was an original member of the revered Tuskegee 
Airmen, training at Tuskegee Army Airfield in a variety of disciplines 
that would serve him well throughout his entire career. A few years 
ago, I had the honor of presenting Walt the Congressional Gold Medal 
for his service as a Tuskegee Airman.
   During his time in the military, Walt was one of over 1,000 enlisted 
men selected to integrate the Armed Forces. Walt's unwavering 
commitment to service and immense leadership skills were recognized 
when, while stationed at Dover Air Force Base, he became the first 
African-American to be promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant in the 
field maintenance squadron. He retired at the highest enlisted rank in 
the Air Force, Chief Master Sergeant, as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to 
the Commanding General of the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt 
Field, Florida.
   Beyond his military service, Walt was an accomplished writer, whose 
personal memoir is titled How Great Thou Art: A Black Boy's Depression-
Era Success Story, in addition to a dedicated member of the Northwest 
Florida community, who served as a deacon of St. Mary Parish in Fort 
Walton Beach for three decades. Walt was known throughout the Gulf 
Coast as a kind and warm-hearted man who was always willing to help his 
fellow citizens. To his family, he was a loving and devoted husband, 
father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

[[Page E514]]

  The legacy left by Walt Richardson and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen had 
a profound impact on the course of our history. Our Nation is proud and 
grateful for the brave men and women like Walt Richardson who stared 
into the face of racial discrimination and said we are ``one Nation 
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.'' Walt led an 
exemplary life of courage, service, patriotism, and devotion to faith 
and family, and his service to God, family, and country will never be 
forgotten.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am humbled 
to honor Chief Master Sergeant Walter H. Richardson, USAF, Retired. My 
wife Vicki and I send our sincerest condolences to his wife of 60 
years, Helen; his eight children, Walter, Pat, Lillie, Carmen, Henri, 
Donna, William, and Carl; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren 
and the entire Richardson family.