[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 191 (Monday, November 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING SERGEANT GERALD SCHLOSSER, RECIPIENT OF TEXAS' THIRD 
     CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2021 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. VAN TAYLOR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 1, 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 
Sergeant Gerald Schlosser of Princeton, Texas.
  Gerald Schlosser was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, only 
about a mile from the World Trade Center. Growing up, Gerald was 
strongly influenced by his uncle, a firefighter for the New York/New 
Jersey Port Authority and a First Responder to the 9/11 attacks, who 
instilled in him a sense of duty and service. In 2003, while playing 
college baseball, Schlosser felt called to enlist in the United States 
Army. Following Basic Combat Training at Fort Benning, Schlosser was 
deployed to combat operations in the Global War on Terrorism. He would 
complete multiple combat deployments to the Middle East, holding 
positions including rifleman, team leader, and squad leader.
  For his efforts, Sergeant Schlosser would earn the Afghanistan 
Campaign Medal with 2 Campaign Stars, Army Commendation Medal, Army 
Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, 
and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additionally, Schlosser 
was awarded a Purple Heart following the rocket ambush of his team's 
Humvee in Afghanistan during which time he rescued his fellow injured 
soldiers from the wreckage, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds from 
enemy fighters.
  Following his retirement in 2013, Schlosser began a career as a 
firefighter, working his way up to Captain in the New Llano Fire 
Department. He went on to earn his paramedic license and board 
certification as a Tactical Combat Casualty Care Provider and 
instructor. His love for Tactical Medicine and desire to become a SWAT 
medic led him to the Police Academy and a position with the Cherokee 
County Sheriff's Office. Today, Officer Schlosser serves the City of 
Princeton as a patrol officer, Field Training Officer, Instructor, and 
Drug Recognition Expert. Sergeant Gerald Schlosser has served our 
nation and community with distinction and we are honored to recognize 
him with this award.
  Today a grateful Nation thanks Sergeant Schlosser 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.

                          ____________________