[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 159 (Tuesday, September 15, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S5603]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT MAJOR THOMAS P. PAYNE

  Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. Madam President, today I would like to 
take a moment to recognize and honor SGM Thomas P. Payne of Batesburg-
Leesville and Lugoff. Just last week, on September 11, the 19th 
anniversary of the painful attacks on American soil, Sergeant Major 
Payne received the Medal of Honor, the country's highest recognition of 
military bravery for his outstanding efforts to liberate dozens of 
hostages from ISIS captors during a rescue mission in Iraq.
  In his 18-year career in the Army, Sergeant Major Payne has deployed 
17 times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi 
Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Operation Inherent Resolve and to the 
U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.
  Thomas ``Patrick'' Payne enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after 
graduating from Batesburg-Leesville High School in 2002, and 13 years 
later, his efforts have saved the lives of many. He holds several 
awards and decorations including the Medal of Honor, Bronze Star Medal 
with bronze ``V'' device, and three bronze oakleaf clusters, the Purple 
Heart, and many, many more.
  Sergeant Major Payne is currently serving as an instructor assigned 
to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and is stationed at Fort 
Bragg, NC. I want to thank Sergeant Major Payne for his service; South 
Carolina is very proud to have such a brave hero.

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