[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 99 (Wednesday, June 7, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF REVEREND WILLARD D. SMITH

  (Mr. GOOD of Virginia asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. GOOD of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
service of 99-year-old Reverend Willard Smith of Pittsylvania County, 
Virginia.
  My office came to know Reverend Smith when he and his wife requested 
assistance with a Federal agency. We were more than happy to 
successfully resolve his case.
  Mr. Smith was drafted into the U.S. Army at age 18 during World War 
II, where, as a member of the 553rd Quartermaster Service Battalion, he 
brought supplies to the front lines and prisoners back to camp.
  During the war, Reverend Smith came to know the Lord and relied on 
his Christian faith and the truth of the Bible for his strength to 
persevere through such challenging times.
  Upon returning home to Virginia after the war, Reverend Smith began 
serving the North New Hope Baptist Church congregation in Danville, 
Virginia, where he has faithfully pastored for over 60 years. Now that 
he is 99, Reverend Smith continues to serve his congregation and give 
back to the Danville and Southside communities.
  I am honored to represent wonderful constituents of Virginia's Fifth 
District such as Reverend Smith, who is an example for all Americans to 
follow.

                          ____________________