[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 170 (Friday, October 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1405-E1406]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE SERVICE OF RONALD E. LAWSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 12, 2018

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Ronald 
E. Lawson. Mr. Lawson honorably served in the United States Army for 
twenty years, touring in Korea, Germany, and Vietnam.
  Ronald ``Ron'' E. Lawson was born in Los Angeles and, in 1959, at age 
seventeen, he enlisted in the Army, completing his basic training at 
Fort Ord. He was then sent to Korea as a member of the 1st Cavalry with 
duties in the DMZ. Upon completion of his tour, he was posted to 
Germany, serving five years with the First ARB 46th Infantry and the 
24th Infantry Division.
  After returning to the US as a weapons instructor, Ron was called up 
for his second tour in Korea, this time serving a year with the famed 
7th Cavalry with the 2nd Infantry Division at the DMZ.
  Ron was later selected to attend the Drill Sergeant Academy at Fort 
Leonard Wood, Missouri, earning the distinction of Honor Graduate. 
After graduation, Ron was deployed to Vietnam as part of Military 
Assistance Command. He worked with South Vietnamese Regional Forces in 
the Central Highlands of II Corps, providing instruction and tactical 
advice to regional soldiers, accompanying them on jungle operations.
  After twelve months in Vietnam, Ron assumed duties as a drill 
sergeant for new recruits at Fort Ord, later returning to Germany as 
operations sergeant with the 1st Armored Division. He deployed in 1961 
and 1964 for the Berlin Crisis and to Greece and Cyprus in 1962. He 
once more returned to Fort Ord to serve with the 7th Light Infantry 
Division.
  After twenty years of service, Ron retired with the rank of First 
Sergeant. For his service, Ron Lawson was awarded the Bronze Star, Army 
Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Cross of 
Gallantry with Gold Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal 
with Device, Army of Occupation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary 
Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the 
Combat Infantry Badge. Additionally, Ron received six letters of 
commendation and was selected Drill Sergeant of the Year.
  After retirement from the Army, Ron and his family settled in 
Chowchilla, California. Working as a maintenance supervisor, Ron served 
on the City of Chowchilla Planning Commission for twenty-one years. He 
is a Life Member and past commander of VFW Post 9896 and American 
Legion Post 148. Ron attends St. Columba Catholic Church and is a 
member of the Young Men's Institute. Ron and his wife, Mathilde, have 
two children and two grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the 
service of Ronald E.

[[Page E1406]]

Lawson for his dedication to his family and his country.

                          ____________________