[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 187 (Thursday, November 21, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF COMMANDER SAMMY L. VICKERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MATT GAETZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2019

  Mr. GAETZ. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and remember the life 
of one of Northwest Florida's most notable citizens, Commander Sammy L. 
Vickers, who passed away on March 29, 2018. Commander Vickers was born 
in 1946, in Corpus Christi, TX, and lived a lifetime full of impressive 
and dedicated service to our nation.
  Commander Vickers served heroically in the United States Navy for 22 
years. As a P-3C Orion pilot during the tumultuous years of the Cold 
War, Commander Vickers patrolled the waters of the Pacific and Atlantic 
Oceans hunting Russian submarines. His dedication to duty helped ensure 
the safety of millions of grateful Americans.
  Commander Vickers was later assigned to VP-6 in Hawaii and VP-5 in 
Jacksonville, Florida. He also served aboard the USS Eisenhower, CVN 
69. Commander Vickers' service in the United States military culminated 
as the Executive Officer at Whiting Field in Florida, where he 
eventually retired.
  However, Commander Vickers' life of service did not conclude with his 
retirement from the United States Navy. In 1995, Commander Vickers 
served the Santa Rosa community as the Executive Director of the Santa 
Rosa Chamber of Commerce.
  Following his time with the Santa Rosa Chamber, Commander Vickers 
devoted his time to leading the Pace High School Navy JROTC unit. He 
served as unit commander for 18 years, leading Pace High School to top 
national honors in 2003.
  Even during his time as the unit leader of the Pace High School Navy 
JROTC, Commander Vickers continued to selflessly devote himself to our 
community as he partnered with several other community organizations. 
Commander Vickers consistently dedicated his time to the service of 
others.
  Commander Vickers was revered and loved by all who knew him. To honor 
his extraordinary legacy, the traditional ``Celebrating Our Veterans'' 
ceremony at Pace High School will be renamed ``Commander Sam Vickers 
Celebration of America at Pace High School.''
  On behalf of the United States Congress, I recognize and honor a 
remarkable man for his selfless service to his country. I am grateful 
for his lasting contributions to our community and I ask my colleagues 
to join me in honoring the life of a faithful and dedicated American 
hero.

                          ____________________