[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 118 (Monday, July 15, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF THE HONORABLE ROSS PEROT AND HIS MONUMENTAL 
                          IMPACT ON OUR NATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 15, 2019

  Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of the 
Honorable Ross Perot and his monumental impact on our nation.
  Mr. Perot is well known for being a wildly-successful, self-made 
businessman who ran for President twice, the first time receiving a 
recorded-breaking 19% of the vote as an independent candidate. Today, I 
would like to recognize him for his unparalleled service and sacrifice 
on behalf of our country's military.
  Mr. Perot is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. Following 
his service, Mr. Perot joined International Business Machines (IBM), 
which led him to create the extremely successful company, Electronic 
Data Systems. Mr. Perot was responsible for many other breakthroughs 
and innovations in the industry. Mr. Perot made a point to hire former 
military personnel and based his management style on his military 
training. Mr. Perot continued to be an active advocate for our 
servicemembers and veterans, becoming one of the most outspoken 
advocates for our Prisoners of War (POWs). In fact, Mr. Perot was asked 
by then-Secretaty of State Henry Kissinger to lead the fight on behalf 
of our POWs, a project he spearheaded by personally chartering two jets 
filled with medical supplies and the wives of POWs still in Vietnam. 
His efforts directly led to many POWs being released in 1973 and 
returned to the United States.
  Over the course of his life, Mr. Perot received countless honors for 
his work. In 2009, he was recognized by the Department of Veterans 
Affairs for his tireless efforts on behalf our nation's veterans, and 
received honorary status in the Army and Marine Corps. Mr. Perot was 
also named an honorary Green Beret and is one of only fourteen honorary 
members of the Army's famous 75th Ranger Regiment.
  Of personal note, I'm especially grateful for all Mr. Perot did for 
our soldiers and families at Fort Bragg, the largest military 
installation in the world, located in North Carolina's 8th 
Congressional District. Mr. Perot donated millions of dollars to the 
Airborne & Special Operations Museum, and has donated his time, 
resources and devotion to assisting projects at the U.S. Army John F. 
Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg.
  While we mourn his passing, Mr. Perot will be remembered for his 
impeccable character, determination and generosity. I have a deep 
admiration and profound appreciation for all he accomplished and I am 
inspired by his example to ensure we take care of those who so bravely 
served our nation.
  Madam Speaker, please join me today in recognizing the life of the 
Honorable Ross Perot.

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