[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 22, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E358-E359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIFE OF COLONEL FERDINAND CLARENCE ``FRED'' BIDGOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 22, 2016

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my 
constituent, Colonel Ferdinand Clarence ``Fred'' Bidgood, a retired 
United States Army officer, a patriot, and a true leader. After his 
birth in 1938 in Fort Benning, Georgia, Fred went on to live in London, 
England where he graduated from Central High School in 1955. He 
matriculated into the United States Military Academy's Class of 1960 
where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. Fred later earned a 
Master's degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M, and graduated from 
the Armed Forces Staff College.
  Following his graduation from the United States Military Academy, 
Fred was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the Army and served around 
the world in command and staff positions in both Artillery and Engineer 
units. Throughout his career, he served as Associate Executive Director 
of the Paralyzed Veterans of America in Washington, DC and Chief of 
Staff for the National Victory Celebration, where his duties included 
welcoming home troops from the Gulf War. He also served as Director on 
the Board of Governors of the World United Services Organization and 
Chairman of their Human Resources Committee, and he was a member of the 
Board of Advisers of National Handicapped Sports.
  Fred lived much of his life in South Run Forest community in 
Springfield, Virginia. On Veterans Day, Flag Day, and Memorial Day, 
Fred

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enjoyed distributing flags across his entire community to share his 
patriotic spirit with his neighbors in honor of our country and all 
those who have served it bravely with him. Fred will be remembered 
dearly across the South Run Forest community by all those he touched on 
a daily basis. He was well known by many of his neighbors for having a 
witty sense of humor. One of Fred's neighbors, Norman Bayne, once told 
me about a time when he was mowing his lawn and wearing shorts, Fred 
came out and shouted, ``If I had legs like that I would wear pants.'' 
Fred always had a way to brighten the day of those around him.
  Fred's final assignment in the military was as an Executive Assistant 
to the Administrator of the Veterans Administration. He passed away a 
decorated veteran, having earned four awards of the Legion of Merit, 
The Bronze Star, two awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air 
Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. He was preceded in death by his 
daughter Kerri. He is survived by his wife Marilyn of 55 years, two 
sons Mark and Matthew, and four grandchildren, Damon, Haley, Aidan, and 
Brianna. I am honored to commemorate Fred today for his life of 
leadership, service, and selfless contributions to our great nation. We 
are fortunate to have citizens like Fred who are willing to put their 
life at risk to serve the United States of America.

                          ____________________