[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 173 (Thursday, October 31, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF MATTHEW BRADFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY BARR

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 31, 2019

  Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a unique 
and special man, Corporal (Ret.) Matthew Bradford. Matthew is stepping 
down as Veterans Outreach Coordinator in my District office.
  Matthew enlisted in the United States Marine Corps when he graduated 
from high school and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 
Echo Company, 2nd Platoon. He was deployed to Iraq in 2006, and on 
January 18, 2007 he was injured by an Improvised Explosive Device. His 
severe injuries left him a blind double amputee. Matthew persevered and 
learned to overcome and adapt from his injuries. Matthew became the 
first blind amputee in history to re-enlist in the Marine Corps in 
2010. On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank him for his service, his 
sacrifice, and his patriotism.
  Matthew Bradford is a very determined individual. After his service 
with the Marine Corps ended, he married his ``Warrior Princess'' 
Amanda. Together they have three children. Through hard work and 
determination, Matthew graduated from the University of Kentucky. 
Matthew has found his purpose in motivating and encouraging others to 
overcome difficult obstacles. He spends a great deal of time speaking 
to groups and individuals and participating in challenging athletic 
events such as marathons, skydiving, surfing, hunting, and climbing 
7000 feet up Mt. Rainier.
  Matthew came to work in the Sixth Congressional District office in 
the spring of 2017, serving first as a college intern, then as a 
National Security Fellow, and lastly as the Veterans Outreach 
Coordinator. In his work in the district office, Matthew has been a 
strong advocate for veterans. He worked with our Veterans Coalition and 
it has grown tremendously under his leadership. Matthew has worked on 
many outreach initiatives, including a Facebook page, and has worked 
diligently to improve the lives of America's veterans. His work with 
veterans has made quite a difference. His passion, his humor, and his 
determination will be greatly missed.
  Matthew has earned many honors, including the Purple Heart Medal, the 
George Van Cleve Military Leadership Award, the Gary Sinise Hope for 
the Warriors Award, and induction into the Kentucky Veterans Hall of 
Fame. He was also invited by President Trump to attend the 2018 State 
of the Union Address. In his position in the Sixth District office, he 
has earned the respect of all his co-workers and of all the 
constituents with whom he interacted. He leaves a lasting legacy as a 
servant leader.
  I am honored to call Matthew a loyal and trusted friend. I wish him 
all the best as he moves on to other interests. I thank Corporal 
Bradford for his friendship, his tireless work on behalf of the people 
of the Sixth District, and his outstanding service to our country.

                          ____________________