[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 120 (Friday, July 9, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE BROADHEAD AND WYDELL MEMORIAL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 9, 2021

  Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Broadhead and 
Wydell Memorial Team--a dedicated group of volunteers committed to 
honoring and recognizing veterans of Ohio's 13th district by 
identifying their gravesites.
  Two years ago, the Broadhead and Wydell Memorial Team began research 
of burial plots at Oak Hill Cemetery. Their goal was to replace the 
headstones and markers of veterans dating back to the beginning of our 
nation and the War for Independence. Unfortunately, many of the 
headstones were either in disrepair or completely missing, something 
that the Team was able to correct.
  Although they were sidelined temporarily by the COVID-19 pandemic, 
today their research has expanded to other cemeteries throughout my 
district. Their work continues to ensure that veterans receive the 
recognition they deserve for their service to our Nation.
  The work is both daunting and detailed. Members of the team count 
every headstone in a cemetery that is not marked as a military 
gravesite and creates a list of names. They then go about the work of 
determining whether or not the deceased served. Once a veteran has been 
identified, they work with the local Veterans Commission to provide 
flag holders for the grave.
  Steffon Jones, a co-founder of the group, is especially passionate 
about recognizing Civil War veterans and members of the U.S. Colored 
Troops. His efforts, along with veteran Tony Seldes and Tom Anderson, 
were instrumental in ensuring that the name of Private Jacob Nixon 
Robinson, who served in the 5th Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops, was 
added to the Youngstown Civil War memorial monument.
  I commend Mr. Jones and the rest of the Broadhead and Wydell Memorial 
Team for their selfless and dedicated service to ensure veterans are 
recognized and honored appropriately.