[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 102 (Friday, June 24, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE LIFE OF RETIRED AIR FORCE MASTER SERGEANT FRED ``BULLDOG'' 
                                 BECKER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2016

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I come to the House Floor today 
with a heavy heart. On June 11, 2016, a ``Bulldog'' in the Alaska 
Veterans community passed from our world, and joined his comrades from 
Vietnam, family, and friends in Heaven above. On behalf of the 
countless Alaskans who were touched by Retired Air Force Master 
Sergeant Fred ``Bulldog'' Becker, Mr. Speaker, I would like to share my 
condolences with his son Fred, daughters Elizabeth, Melinda, and their 
many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
   Mr. Speaker, I recall one special occasion when I joined Bulldog on 
our nation's birthday, July 4, 2010, after he and his brothers in arms 
rode across the country in honor of fallen Naval Chief Special Warfare 
Operator Lance Vacarro. From the moment we met so many years ago, to 
that day in 2010, and until his passing, his commitment to his fallen 
brothers was never-ending, and I will always treasure our friendship.
   Mr. Speaker, though Bulldog was never one to flaunt his own 
achievements, it is only fitting to mention several of them in 
recognition of this remarkable Alaskan. Bulldog served his country in 
the United States Air Force for 20 years, including three tours in 
Vietnam, before retiring in 1981. Among his many commendations, he is 
the recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf 
cluster, a Presidential Unit Citation, the Vietnam Service Medal, the 
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of 
Vietnam Campaign Medal.
   Mr. Speaker, upon ``Bulldog'' Becker's retirement, he chose to call 
the great state of Alaska home. In Alaska, and across the country, he 
was a tireless advocate for our nation's veterans. He proudly dedicated 
his life to serving our nation, my home State of Alaska, and all those 
who wore the uniform of our great nation.
   Mr. Speaker, Master Sergeant Becker never backed down from a 
challenge. A proud member of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club and 
later the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Club, he always fought to ensure 
our men and women in uniform received the care and respect they not 
only deserved, but earned.
   Mr. Speaker, I have always believed that a hero is someone who has 
given his or her life to something bigger than themselves. In the eyes 
of anyone who knew him, MSgt. Fred ``Bulldog'' Becker was a true 
American hero. Bulldog, Godspeed my friend, until I see you again, 
riding through the clouds of Heaven.

                          ____________________