[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 42 (Monday, March 6, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S653-S654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                   TRIBUTE TO CORPORAL JIMMY SULLIVAN

 Mr. TUBERVILLE. Madam President, for some veterans, serving 
their country meant foregoing their own dreams so that millions of 
Americans would have the opportunity to pursue theirs. That is true for 
U.S. Marine Cpl Jimmy Sullivan of Foley, a star linebacker at Vigor 
High School in Mobile, who always dreamed of playing football for Coach 
Paul ``Bear'' Bryant at the University of Alabama.
  But when the offer letter came from Coach Bryant, Corporal Sullivan 
knew that he could not accept because he saw the many Americans who 
were dying in the Vietnam war. So instead of following his dream to 
play college football, he dropped out of high school to enlist in the 
U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 18.
  The two-time Purple Heart recipient recalls several close calls 
during his 2 years in Vietnam, but a particular experience stands out 
in his mind. One foggy day while transporting deceased

[[Page S654]]

American soldiers, Corporal Sullivan heard a voice repeatedly tell him 
to turn around. After looking around, he finally turned to discover an 
enemy soldier waiting in the bushes to attack him. Despite receiving 
multiple gunshot wounds from the encounter, he still believes that 
voice saved his life, making him one of the few from his company who 
returned home alive. Through it all, when you ask him about his 
military service, his response is ``I wouldn't change ONE thing.''
  Not one to be idle, Corporal Sullivan became an operator for Chevron 
Oil Company and now works as a security guard for Sidwell Protection 
Services. In addition to being a beloved ``Pop,'' Corporal Sullivan is 
actively involved in his congregation at Bibleway Assembly of God 
Church in Foley, where he serves as a deacon and helps in community 
outreach efforts. His grit and courage is an inspiration to us all.
  I am proud to recognize Corporal Sullivan as the March Veteran of the 
Month.

                          ____________________