[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 99 (Thursday, June 14, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING STAFF SERGEANT FRANK E. VERDUGO ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 
              RETIREMENT FROM THE MILITARY AFTER 20 YEARS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NORMA J. TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 14, 2018

  Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Staff Sergeant Frank 
E. Verdugo on the occasion of his retirement from 20 years of 
outstanding commitment through military service to this country. He is 
the son of Lydia Wibert, former City Councilwoman in Fontana.
  Staff Sergeant Verdugo has had a remarkable career with our armed 
forces. He began his military career with the U.S. Marine Corps, 
serving from 1994-1998. He went on to serve in the Army Reserve from 
1998-2002, where he was based in San Antonio. He transitioned to full 
time service when he entered the Army on August 1st of 2002 for his 
second time on active duty. Like many brave and selfless individuals, 
he did so as a result of the events that transpired on September 11, 
2001.
  Throughout his career, Staff Sergeant Verdugo has been assigned to a 
full range of important roles and has been stationed in many locations 
around the country including Fort Lewis, Fort Knox, Fort Bliss, and 
Fort Benning. Shortly after joining the Army, he was deployed twice to 
Iraq, from 2003-2004 and 2006-2007.
  While Staff Sergeant Verdugo has immeasurable achievements and awards 
that speak to his character, perhaps the most significant contribution 
and legacy he has made is by helping train the next generation of 
leaders. He was part of the Army's first Stryker Brigade at Fort Lewis 
and was assigned as a Stryker instructor at Fort Knox. Because of Staff 
Sergeant Verdugo's experience, he served in several critical leadership 
roles while at Fort Bliss, where he tested new equipment and networks 
for the Army, and at Fort Benning, where he was a fire range trainer.
  Staff Sergeant Verdugo has selflessly given of himself to this 
country while raising a family. He is married to Maria E. Verdugo and 
is the father of four children.
  As Staff Sergeant Verdugo's long and honorable military career comes 
to a close, he is beginning a new chapter in his life. He is currently 
pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security from Vincennes 
University, further illustrating that while he may not be in the 
military anymore, his commitment to working hard on issues like 
national security is enduring.
  For his many years of selfless service to our nation, I would like to 
recognize and thank Staff Sergeant Frank E. Verdugo.

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