[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 110 (Friday, June 28, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4675-S4676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING BRUCE EDWARD McNABB

  Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of Bruce 
Edward McNabb, a lifelong Montanan and decorated veteran of Vietnam.
  While Bruce is no longer with us, his legacy lives on. On behalf of 
myself, my fellow Montanans, and my fellow Americans, I would like 
extend our deepest gratitude for his service to this Nation.
  Bruce was born on August 23, 1947, in Butte, MT, to Dallas and 
Catherine McNabb. His father was a World War II veteran who fought with 
General George Patton in the Mediterranean theatre. His mother worked 
for the National Forest Service. In addition to their son, the couple 
had a daughter, Bruce's younger sister, Kathi.
  After graduating from Butte Central High School in 1965, Bruce moved 
to Seattle, WA, where he worked for Boeing. However, his plans quickly 
changed at the age of 19 when he received a draft letter from the U.S. 
Army. He started basic training shortly thereafter.
  Bruce served our country in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. In March of 
1968, during a search and clear mission, his unit became heavily 
engaged with the enemy. In an act of great bravery, Bruce rushed to the 
aid of his fallen platoon leader, helping him back to safety. Without a 
moment's pause, he immediately rushed back out and pulled an additional 
comrade out of harm's way, saving both men's lives.
  Upon his return home to Montana, Bruce attended Carroll College in 
Helena. It was during this time he met the love of his life, Linda 
Skiles, whom he married on June 30, 1973. Together, they raised two 
wonderful children, their daughter, Kimberly, a certified patient care 
technician in Billings, MT, and their son, Rick, a teacher in 
Beaverton, OR.
  Like many Vietnam veterans who returned home from service, Bruce fell 
victim to the sinister effects of Agent Orange, but he never let it 
slow him down.
  Known by many for his hard work and determination, Bruce led a long 
career as a store/plans coordinator for Buttrey Food Stores, Super 
Yalu, and Associated Food Stores. After many years, he started a new 
career at ExxonMobil, retiring in 2015.
  Bruce and his wife Linda were married for almost 46 years before he 
passed away in November 2018. He was a devoted family man and caring 
grandfather to his two granddaughters, Mariah and Ashlee.
  He was passionate about a number of sports teams, including the Green 
Bay Packers, Notre Dame, Portland Trail Blazers, the Cubbies, and took 
great care of his truck ``Sweetness.''
  I now have the profound honor of presenting Bruce with his own set of 
military honors. For his bravery in the line of duty, Bruce Edward 
McNabb received the: Bronze Star Medal with bronze oakleaf cluster, 
Purple Heart Medal, Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense 
Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, 
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with 1960 Device, Expert Badge with 
Machine Gun Bar, and Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar.

[[Page S4676]]

  These medals serve as a small token of our country's appreciation for 
Bruce's incredible service and profound sacrifice.
  He is an American hero who has made Montana proud, and we are 
eternally grateful for his service.

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