[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 8, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H52]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING TROUT UNLIMITED AWARD WINNER JAMES ``BIG JIM'' HIBBERT

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Centre County veteran James ``Big Jim'' Hibbert, a retired Marine Corps 
staff sergeant.
  Big Jim Hibbert honorably served in the United States Marine Corps 
and the Army for more than 19 years during six overseas deployments, 
including three combat deployments.
  In 2019, during a meeting of the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout 
Unlimited, Jim met a young Army veteran in mental distress after his 
medications had been changed. The veteran had lost his job and was 
experiencing a mental health crisis.
  Jim had been trained by mental health professionals in listening 
skills as a part of Trout Unlimited's Streamside Mentor program. He 
immediately took action, establishing a rapport and assisting the 
suicidal veteran.
  Ultimately, Jim helped save his life that day. Because of this 
selfless act and for his commitment to his fellow veterans, Jim is 
being recognized by Trout Unlimited's Veteran Service Partnership 
program.
  Big Jim Hibbert continues to serve and support his fellow veterans 
every day, and I thank Big Jim.

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