[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 22, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S5454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO STAFF SERGEANT JOSEPH FONTENOT

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, today I wish to honor SSG Joseph 
Fontenot of Larose, LA, who is winner of the 2015 Army Times Soldier of 
the Year. Fontenot is currently stationed in Fort Campbell, KY, as a 
field artilleryman assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery 
Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Division 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
  Joseph Fontenot's experience with the military began while he was on 
tour with his rock band, Jacknife. At 31, following a conversation with 
a National Guard soldier, Fontenot decided to put away his bass guitar 
and to begin serving his country as a soldier in the Army. After 
joining the Army in January 2006, Fontenot made the decision to develop 
his leadership abilities. Through help from his mentor, he challenged 
himself to push his limits both mentally and physically.
  In 2008, Fontenot deployed to Baghdad, Iraq for a year-long tour. In 
2010, he was redeployed to the Arghandab River Valley, and bravely 
served in one of the most dangerous stations in southern Afghanistan. 
The experiences there along with the loss of fallen compatriots and 
friends strengthened Fontenot's commitment to the Army and bolstered 
his resolve to continue onward. Since 2012, he has served as drill 
sergeant where his outstanding commitment led him to be chosen to serve 
at the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy.
  Fontenot's accomplishments, however, extend far beyond his military 
aptitude. Not only is he a frequent volunteer at the local veterans' 
hospital and homeless children's center, he also participates in Camp 
Kemo, a program for children battling cancer.
  Fontenot's continued dedication and leadership were noticed by his 
peers, who nominated him for the 15th Annual Army Times Soldier of the 
Year Award for his exemplary leadership. In February 2015, Fontenot 
rescued a young man in need whose car had crashed into a canal. Despite 
the freezing temperatures, Fontenot jumped into the water and pulled 
the man from his car.
  SSG Joseph Fontenot is a man of true courage. I am honored and 
humbled to share his heroism, and I thank him for his services to our 
country.

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