[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 191 (Monday, November 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING HOSPITAL CORPSMAN THIRD CLASS RAYMOND RICHARDSON, RECIPIENT 
   OF TEXAS' THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2021 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN 
                              COMMENDATION

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                            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 timehonored 
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 
Raymond Richardson of McKinney, Texas.
  In 1965, at the age of 17, Raymond Richardson joined the United 
States Navy where he was assigned to a Medivac Unit for the 1st Marine 
Air Wing in DaNang.
  Hospital Corpsman Third Class Raymond Richardson was awarded the 
National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam 
Campaign Medal for his service.
  In his civilian life, Mr. Richardson has been staunch advocate for 
our veterans within our community. During his tenure as McKinney VFW 
Commander, Raymond led several unique service initiatives benefiting 
both veterans and the citizens of Collin County. Impressively, he 
completed over 130 community service projects including raising relief 
for veterans healthcare and arranging hotel accommodations for stranded 
veterans. One special initiative includes his annual organization of a 
Christmas Party for the children of the Samaritan Inn where families 
are invited to the VFW to share a meal with Santa and Mrs. Clause prior 
to receiving gifts. Mr. Richardson also spearheads efforts to prepare 
and distribute care packages for military members oversees and local 
veterans in need in conjunction with the students of McKinney Christian 
Academy.
  As a longtime and valued member of the VFW National Legislative 
Committee, Mr. Richardson has advocated on a variety of veterans 
issues. He has served in a multitude of roles within the VFW earning 
numerous accolades including the Recruiter Award, Early Bird Award, the 
Kansas City Spree Award, and Past State Commanders Leadership Award.
  Richardson is the proud father to three daughters and grandfather to 
eight. We commend him for his tireless efforts on behalf of our 
veterans and the citizens of Collin County.
  Today a grateful Nation thanks Corpsman Richardson 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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