[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 114 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1119-E1120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF SAMUEL BEAMON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate one of Waterbury's finest, 
Samuel K. Beamon, Sr.
  On Saturday, July 30, 2016, Sam Beamon will become the first 
Waterburian and African-American to receive UNICO National's John 
Basilone Freedom Award. Even though UNICO was founded in Waterbury, CT 
in 1922, it had yet to bestow this prestigious award on one of its 
native sons.
  A graduate of W.F. Kaynor Technical High School in Waterbury, Sam 
enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1965 and was deployed to 
South Vietnam. He became a helicopter mechanic, crew chief, and aerial 
gunner, and he flew more than 320 combat missions. Sam earned numerous 
awards while in the Marine Corps including 16 Air Medals and Combat Air 
Crew Wings, the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy and Presidential Unit 
Citations, and the Good Conduct Medal.
  After returning home, Sam worked at Pratt & Whitney before answering 
the call to service again--but this time, as a police officer. In 1970, 
he joined the Waterbury Police Department. There, Sam continued to be 
an effective leader and break down racial barriers. He was the first 
Black Accident Investigator, radar operator and instructor, and member 
of the SWAT Team. He retired from the Police Department in 1998 with 
the rank of Lieutenant.
  He wrote about his time in the Marine Corps in his book, Flying 
Death: The Vietnam Experience. He became active in Waterbury's 
veterans' network. His decades of work made him a natural choice to 
replace Colonel John Chiarella as chairman of the Waterbury Veteran's 
Memorial Committee in 2014. I have worked closely with Sam on a number 
of veterans' issues, and his tenacity, hard work, and winning smile are 
instrumental in his ability to advocate for his fellow veterans.
  Sam's commitment to improving the lives and welfare of others extends 
well-beyond his involvement in veterans' organizations. A man who has 
lived through some of the most divisive times in our country's history, 
Sam seeks to inspire and unite today's youth. He understands the 
adversity some of our youth face in overcoming social, political, and 
economic barriers, but knows it can be done with hard work, a positive 
attitude, and a sharp moral compass. He has mentored countless students 
about the value of education, and what it means to believe in one's 
country, and answer the call to service. For Sam, his call to service 
and leadership capabilities extended beyond his military career. It 
meant giving back to Waterbury, the city that gave him so much. A 
leader in every sense of the word, I had the distinct honor of 
recognizing him at our Black History Month ceremony in Waterbury this 
past February. His remarks were touching; a perfect blend of self-
reflection, humility, and his ironic sense of humor.
  While Sam may be the first non-Italian to receive the John Basilone 
Freedom Award, I wonder if UNICO heard the story about how he found a 
way to visit his good Italian friend Colonel Chiarella in the hospital. 
When hospital staff told Sam that only immediate family was allowed to 
visit the Colonel, Sam didn't miss a beat. He told them that he was the 
Colonel's brother.
  But this story perfectly encapsulates just who Sam is: he is the man 
who will stand by your side, offering his unwavering support when you 
need him. To veterans across the State of Connecticut and his family 
and friends in the City of Waterbury, Sam is a man of conviction, 
honor, and leadership. Sam is more than the countless accolades that 
serve as a testament to his selfless spirit. His infectious positive 
energy brings joy to the people around him. He is a friend and a 
confidante for whom I have the utmost respect.
  I could not be any prouder of my dear and longtime friend. There is 
no one more deserving of such a prestigious award. I know Sam will 
tease me for giving him so much praise, but I will not let his humble 
attitude prevent me from properly honoring and recognizing him. 
Congratulations on your award, Sam.

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