[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 170 (Monday, October 28, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1345-E1346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING TECHNICAL SERGEANT FLETCHER SHARP, RECIPIENT OF TEXAS' 
  THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2019 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. VAN TAYLOR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 28, 2019

  Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, it is my privilege to honor twelve 
distinguished military veterans from Texas' Third Congressional 
District who answered the call to serve their Nation honorably, both in 
uniform and following their return to civilian life. The recipients of 
the 2019 Congressional Veteran Commendation exemplify the time-honored 
qualities of patriotism, service before self, and bold leadership. 
Following their time in service, their efforts in our community have 
earned these fine individuals recognition as the recipients of this 
prestigious commendation. Their stories of sacrifice will encourage 
future generations to pursue a life dedicated to the very values we 
cherish as Americans: faith, freedom, and democracy. One such hero is 
Technical Sergeant Fletcher Sharp of Plano, Texas.
   Technical Sergeant Fletcher Sharp joined the United States Air Force 
in 1963. Following technician training school, he worked as an aircraft 
crew chief supporting the 436th Military Airlift Wing at Dover Air 
Force Base in Delaware and volunteered as a member of the base honor 
and color guards. In 1966, he was transferred to the 51st Fighter 
Interceptor Wing at Naha Air Base in Okinawa in support of the F-102 
Delta Dagger and was later deployed on C-130A resupply sorties to bases 
in Vietnam and Thailand. For his efforts, he awarded the Air Force 
Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Award, Air Force Outstanding 
Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service 
Medal, Air Force Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Ribbon, 
Texas ANG Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, and the Small Arms 
Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.
   Upon his discharge, Mr. Sharp joined the Pennsylvania Air National 
Guard as a flight engineer on C-121 Super Constellation aircraft 
performing aero-medical evacuations. During the next twenty-three 
years, he would also serve in the Air National Guards of Maine, 
Vermont, and Texas. Most recently, he was deployed with the Texas Air 
National Guard from 1992 to 1995 to support the United Nations 
humanitarian missions to Sarajevo and throughout Bosnia and 
Herzegovina.
   For over thirty years, Fletcher has been active in a variety of 
service organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and 
American Legion Post 321 where he has held leadership positions 
including Sergeant at Arms, Judge Advocate, and Vice Commander. Mr. 
Sharp has also held the role of Post Honor Guard Commander, providing 
military funeral honors for veterans and participating in local 
Veterans Day and Memorial events. Mr. Sharp has also taken a lead to 
ensure that an American flag is placed on every veteran grave in the 
Plano Mutual Cemetery every Memorial Day to pay tribute to those who 
served. Further, as an active member of the Civil Air Patrol, Mr. Sharp 
has held a variety of leadership positions including his work with the 
cadet program where he assists with developing leadership skills, 
character development and aerospace education. Finally, as an active 
member of the Seidel Chapter of the Air Force Association, Mr. Sharp 
acts as a Liaison Officer between the organization and CAP to promote 
the scholarship program for cadets participating in flight academies.
   Mr. Sharp displays the qualities of a true patriot who has 
selflessly served our nation and who continues to mentor our next 
generation of military leaders.
   Today, a grateful Nation thanks Technical Sergeant Sharp for his 
exceptional service and congratulates him on this recognition. May his 
steadfast example of leadership inspire others to live a life of 
service to a cause greater than themselves. It is my extreme honor to 
award him the 2019 Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third 
District of Texas.

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