[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 53 (Wednesday, March 27, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H2879]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING ROY BENAVIDEZ
(Mr. CLOUD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Master
Sergeant Roy Benavidez. On the occasion of the Roy P. Benavidez
Memorial Highway dedication, my district is proud to claim this Medal
of Honor recipient as our own.
Sergeant Benavidez answered the call to serve his country in Vietnam.
At one crucial time while overseas, he voluntarily boarded a rescue
helicopter and put his own life on the line to save his fellow
soldiers.
During the rescue effort, he was shot multiple times, bayoneted, and
hit by grenade fragments as he fought for 6 hours to protect his
wounded comrades. He saved the lives of at least eight men.
After returning home, he went before Congress to advocate for better
veteran healthcare. He then devoted the rest of his life to service,
speaking to students about the importance of education and inspiring
American troops around the world.
May this highway serve as a memorial to this brave and selfless
American, Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez.
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