[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 172 (Thursday, November 3, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1103-E1104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE OF U.S. ARMY 1SG (RETIRED) HENRY DONNELL ALLEN, JR.

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                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 3, 2022

  Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of U.S. 
Army 1SG (Retired) Henry Donnell Allen, Jr., beloved husband, father, 
grandfather, veteran, first responder, and community activist.
  Henry was born in Osceola, Arkansas, on July 16, 1955, to the late 
Henry Donnell Allen, Sr., and Melvina Lumpkin Allen.
  Henry served 24 years in the United States Army's 3rd Armed Calvary 
Regiment as a Calvary Reconnaissance Scout. Henry's love for his 
country was unparalleled.

[[Page E1104]]

  He met and married Caron Allen in August 1994.
  Henry and Caron joined Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church of Colorado 
Springs in 1996. He faithfully served the church as a Deacon and as 
Director of Security. The congregation knows Deacon Allen as a ``man of 
integrity'' who was always willing to offer his assistance and a 
friendly smile to others.
  After retiring from the U.S. Army, Henry joined the El Paso County 
Sheriff's Office (EPSO), serving first as a security technician and 
then as a deputy sheriff. He retired in 2011.
  A longtime member of the National Association for the Advancement of 
Colored People (NAACP), Henry became very active in 1998, first serving 
as Chairman of the Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs Committee and 
then Chairman of Legal Redress for the local branch and the State 
Conference. He was elected as President of the Colorado Springs NAACP 
in 2013 and served until February 2016.
  Henry founded a local branch of the Southern Christian Leadership 
Conference (SCLC) in February 2016. Under Henry's leadership, the SCLC 
Conference brought a commitment to the Pikes Peak region to bring about 
the promise of ``one nation, under God, indivisible,'' together with 
the commitment to activate the ``strength to love'' within the 
community of humankind.
  Henry strived to be a voice for those who had none. His leadership 
was instrumental in the effort to rename a 10-mile stretch of U.S. 
Highway 24 in honor of the Buffalo Soldiers, an African American 
regiment that served primarily on the Western frontier after the Civil 
War.
  He served on the D-49 School Board. Ensuring that children had access 
to quality education and character-building opportunities was a 
priority for Henry.
  Additionally, Henry was a leader within the local Republican Party. 
His patriotic spirit and commitment to service inspired complete 
strangers to get involved with the political process.
  Throughout his 67 years on this earth, Henry followed in the 
footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., epitomizing the words found 
in Micah 6:8.
       ``He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the 
     LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to 
     walk humbly with your God?''
  Henry was a champion for justice. As a member of law enforcement and 
a veteran, Henry advocated for both his brothers and sisters in 
uniform, as well as those who were treated unfairly in his community.
  He loved mercy and compassion. Henry always lent a helping hand to 
the underprivileged. Feeding the hungry, caring for the homeless, and 
protecting the oppressed generated strong community ties and deep 
relationships with others.
  Henry walked humbly. Although he was usually the sharpest dressed man 
in the room, Henry never made anyone feel insignificant or unworthy. 
Though personally confident and professionally accomplished, he treated 
everyone with dignity.
  Henry had many joys in his lifetime, but his family and his 
unwavering faith were the greatest of those. He is survived by his 
cherished wife, Reverend Doctor Caron Allen; children, Marcia T. Wilson 
(Laderrick), Jeana Allen-Morris (Kevin), Mauricia A. Pledger, Paula P. 
Mitchell, Sherida L. Allen, Melissa M. Allen, Brian R. Allen, Denise A. 
Rucker; 22 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in 
death by his parents and his sons, Alexander T. McGowan and Jason R. 
Allen.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in 
celebrating and honoring the life of Henry Allen, Jr., a leader, a 
believer, a patriot, and a friend to so many.
  Henry has surely heard the words spoken in the Gospel of Matthew:
       ``. . . the King will say to those on his right, `Come, you 
     who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared 
     for you from the foundation of the world . . . For I was 
     naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I 
     was in prison, and you came to Me.' ''

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