[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 192 (Tuesday, November 2, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H6084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING VETERAN PASTOR GERALD McGINNIS

  (Mr. BURCHETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Pastor Gerald McGinnis as 
Tennessee's Second District Veteran of the Month.
  Pastor McGinnis, a very dear friend of mine, served our country as a 
specialist in the United States Army during the Vietnam war. In 1968, 
his compound was attacked by approximately 1,500 North Vietnamese Army 
soldiers in the middle of the night. Despite the intense enemy fire, he 
fought off the North Vietnamese in defense of the three wounded 
American soldiers sheltering in his bunker.
  Relentlessly defending that bunker saved Pastor McGinnis' life and 
all the lives of his fellow servicemembers. He was successful against 
all odds. Nearly 40 years later, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his 
heroism. Last week, Pastor McGinnis was upgraded to the Silver Star in 
further recognition of his bravery.
  Following his military service, Pastor McGinnis worked as a sheet 
metal worker for several years. He later decided that serving the Lord 
was his true calling and began studying theology. In 1980, he founded 
Park West Church of God in Knoxville, where he continues to serve.
  Under Pastor McGinnis' leadership, the church has grown to serve a 
membership of over 2,000 Christians. He also served as chaplain of the 
Knoxville-based divisions of the FBI and ATF, as well as the Knox 
County Sheriff's Department.
  Pastor McGinnis serves his fellow veterans every chance he gets. A 
few years ago, he started raising funds to purchase a farm where 
veterans could go to receive counseling and study the Bible to help 
cope with their PTSD.
  Thank you, Gerald, for your service to our country, your fellow 
veterans, and the Lord. I would say on a personal note, I was at the 
service and my dear friend, Jenny Stansberry in my home office, helped 
him get that Silver Star. All he talked about was his buddies that he 
left behind. He is a true hero, Mr. Speaker.

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