[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 190 (Thursday, October 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1160-E1161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING CHIEF PETTY OFFICER RICHARD LERMA, RECIPIENT OF TEXAS' 
  THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2021 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. VAN TAYLOR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 28, 2021

  Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, it is my privilege to honor fifteen 
distinguished military veterans from Texas' Third Congressional 
District who answered the call to serve their Nation honorably, both in 
uniform and following their return to civilian life. The recipients of 
the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation exemplify the time-honored 
qualities of patriotism, service before self, and bold leadership. 
Following their time in service, their efforts in our community have 
earned these fine individuals recognition as the recipients of this 
prestigious commendation. Their stories of sacrifice will encourage 
future generations to pursue a life dedicated to the very values we 
cherish as Americans: faith, freedom, and democracy. One such hero is 
Chief Petty Officer Richard Lerma of Plano, Texas.
  In 1964, upon entering the U.S. Navy and completing basic training, 
Richard Lerma was

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assigned to operations in the Gulf of Tonkin aboard the USS Cimarron. 
As a communications specialist, he was responsible for directing 
replenishment activities including dealing with classified cargo 
supplies for aircraft carriers and their escorts. Following two tours 
of duty in Vietnam, Richard served on assignments with SEAL Team 119 
and ultimately retired in 1986.
  Chief Petty Officer Lerma earned the National Defense Service Medal, 
20 Year Good Conduct Medal, Navy Sharpshooter w/E, Vietnam Service 
Medal with two Bronze Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit 
Citation Badge, and numerous unit awards and service ribbons.
  Following service, Richard attended the San Diego Academy and was 
later appointed to the Federal Law Enforcement Academy. His role would 
lead him to an assignment at the International Border and a promotion 
to a
K-9 Narcotic Enforcement Officer dealing with international smugglers, 
human traffickers, and undercover operations with various federal 
agencies. Following 9/11, Lerma was transferred to Customs and Border 
Protection where he would work until his retirement in 2014.
  Mr. Lerma has earned a reputation as a respected member of our local 
veterans community and has worked tirelessly to assist veterans with 
education and relief programs. Richard is an active member of Vietnam 
Veterans of America, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and 
the Collin County Veterans Coalition. He also dedicates his time to 
assisting with two prison ministries where he visits incarcerated 
military inmates who have lost their way. Richard Lerma has led a 
tremendous life of service to our county and is to be commended for his 
many efforts.
  Today a grateful Nation thanks Chief Petty Officer Lerma for his 
exceptional service and congratulates him on this recognition. May his 
steadfast example of leadership inspire others to live a life of 
service to a cause greater than themselves. It is my extreme honor to 
award him the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third 
District of Texas.

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