[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1215-E1216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING CPL. TIMOTHY GRACE, 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION SOLDIER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOUIE GOHMERT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2015

  Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, the First District of Texas has been 
blessed as the birthplace of many remarkable individuals who have made 
notable contributions that have enriched lives well beyond the borders 
of Texas. It is a great pleasure to stand in honor of a man from 
Nacogdoches, Texas, who is young in terms of years but exceedingly 
senior when it comes to his patriotism, his caring, and his 
contribution to the ongoing of this country. His name is Corporal 
Timothy Grace and he has been named Soldier of the Year for the United 
States Army's 1st Infantry Division.
   Cpl. Grace enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2013 at the age of 22, 
pursuing a dream born out of a family legacy of military service. 
Inspired by his grandfather Leo Acosta who served during World War II, 
Cpl. Grace knew as a young boy that the military would be his future. 
His heartfelt desire was to serve and protect the greatest country in 
the history of the world, precisely as his grandfather had done.
   Cpl. Grace entered the military as a 19-Delta Cavalry Scout attached 
to the 1st Infantry Division in Fort Riley, Kansas. Regarding basic 
training, Cpl. Grace has remarked, 
``. . . I've always been mentally strong so they

[[Page E1216]]

never really broke me down. I enjoyed every minute of it and learned a 
lot.''
   Cpl. Grace studied a variety of topics from weapons to Army history 
in preparation for the demanding process of facing the selection boards 
in anticipation of seeking advancement in his chosen endeavor. He first 
won the troop board, successfully navigated the squadron and brigade 
boards, ultimately culminating with his being named Soldier of the Year 
for the entire 1st Infantry Division.
   As a result of his selection as Soldier of the Year, Cpl. Grace was 
chosen to provide personal security for the 1st Infantry Division Sgt. 
Maj. Michael A. Grinston in Iraq.
   Based on his extraordinary history in the military thus far, there 
should be no doubt that Cpl. Grace will continue to distinguish himself 
as he pursues Airborne school and Ranger school. After his sterling 
career in the military is completed, Cpl. Grace aspires to yet again 
continue to serve his country and particularly the great state of Texas 
as a Department of Public Safety Highway Patrolman, but has not ruled 
out the possibility of serving as long as possible in his career within 
the United States Army.
   It is a distinct privilege to honor this remarkable soldier, to pay 
tribute to him for his being named Soldier of the Year from the entire 
1st Infantry Division, and to congratulate him for his upcoming 
promotion to sergeant. His accomplishments are now recorded in this 
Congressional Record which will endure as long as there is a United 
States of America.

                          ____________________