[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 115 (Thursday, July 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF CAPTAIN ROBERT ``BUZZ'' BUSWELL AS TENNESSEE'S SECOND 
                     DISTRICT VETERAN OF THE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TIM BURCHETT

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 1, 2021

  Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Purple Heart recipient 
and Vietnam War veteran Captain Robert ``Buzz'' Buswell as Tennessee's 
Second District Veteran of the Month.
  Captain Buswell enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968 as a first 
lieutenant. In 1970, his platoon was attacked in Cambodia by enemy 
forces and he sustained extensive injuries. He was hospitalized for 19 
months and received 27 surgeries. He fought for his recovery and even 
had to relearn how to walk. He retired from the military as a captain 
in 1972.
  Buswell, whose father was a career officer in the U.S. Air Force, met 
his wife Donna in their high school glee club in New Hampshire. They 
have a son and a daughter.
  Captain Buswell received numerous medals and commendations for his 
service, including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army 
Commendation Medal with ``V'' Device, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. 
Just this year, Buswell was chosen as one of the nation's 2021 Purple 
Heart Patriot Project honorees.
  After his military service, he earned his Master's Degree in 
education and spent many years serving East Tennessee communities. He 
worked for the Boys & Girls Club, the Knox County Fire Prevention 
Bureau, and served as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's 
Hurricane Katrina ombudsman for Knoxville and Knox County. In 2012, 
when I was mayor, I had the honor of working alongside Buswell when he 
took the position of Knox County's veteran service officer. He 
continues that work today as the county's Director of Veteran and 
Senior Services.
  If there's a veteran issue, program or event taking place in East 
Tennessee, it's almost certain that Buswell is involved. He is an 
active member in numerous veteran organizations. These include being a 
Life Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Disabled 
American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American 
Legion. He helped charter the Vietnam Veterans of America Captain Bill 
Robinson Chapter 1078. His service to fellow veterans also includes 
involvement with the Veterans Regional Mental Health Council, Honor Air 
Knoxville, and Wreaths Across America. Through the United Veterans 
Council of East Tennessee he established a program serving hundreds of 
veterans free breakfast on Saturdays.
  Captain Buzz Buswell is a true American hero. He sacrificed to 
protect our country and fight for our freedoms. And he's spent 
countless hours taking care of fellow veterans, making sure they have 
the support they need and the recognition they deserve.
  I thank him for his service. It's an honor to call him my friend.

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