[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 14 (Monday, January 25, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E67]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF SGT. MAJ. JERRY BELL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 25, 2021

  Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of 
Sergeant Major Jerry Bell, a decorated veteran of the United States 
Army, who sadly passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021.
  Jerry Lynn Bell was born May 2, 1943 to parents William Ernest and 
Mary Adeline (Johnson) Bell in Leon County, Texas. Jerry Bell's entire 
life has been defined by bravery and selfless service. At the age of 
17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his time in the military, he 
rose to the rank of Sergeant Major and proved himself to be a true 
American hero, receiving the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying 
Cross, three Air Medals for valor, two Bronze Stars for valor, and an 
Army Commendation Medal for valor during his service in the Vietnam War 
as a tanker and helicopter gunner. His nephew, Texas State 
Representative Cecil Bell Jr., describes Sgt. Maj. Bell as a ``true 
warrior who fought with valor and distinction.''
  While his military service took him from Alaska to Germany, Sgt. Maj. 
Bell could not help but return to his home of Leon County. After 
returning to Texas, he worked for B-5 Construction, the U.S. Postal 
Service, and was the owner and operator of Bell Alley Gun Shop.
  Sgt. Maj. Bell was a mainstay of the community. At his gun shop, he 
did what he loved most, selling guns and working as a gunsmith while 
sharing thoughts on conservatism, 2nd amendment rights, and religion. 
While Sgt. Maj. Bell leaves behind a military legacy to be heralded, it 
comes second to his legacy as a man who placed God first in his life, a 
man who loved his country and state, and a man who was a devoted 
husband, father, and great-grandfather. Sgt. Maj. Bell's favorite times 
were those spent with family at Bell family reunions and Christmas 
parties at his home in Leona. The Bell family shared their lives with 
each other and the entire community, making everyone feel like they 
were a part of this tight-knit family.
  In the words of his nephew, Cecil Bell Jr., ``On January 10, 2021, as 
the cold rains fell in Leon County, Texas, the chopping sounds of an 
Army helicopter landing were heard as Jerry Bell, age 77, Sergeant 
Major, U.S. Army Retired, deployed to Heaven's shore.'' Sgt. Maj. is 
remembered by his loving wife, Alice Cothron Bell of Leona and a host 
of loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
  I join the entire community in honoring Sgt. Maj. Bell for a lifetime 
of service both overseas and stateside. His service to our nation will 
never be forgotten.

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