[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 103 (Tuesday, June 13, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF JOSEPH COSTNER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Houchin). The Chair recognizes the 
gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Norman) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the 
dedicated service of Joseph Costner who entered eternal rest on March 
26, 2023.
  Throughout the duration of his life, Mr. Costner unfailingly answered 
the call to serve his country and his community. He was raised in 
Lawndale, North Carolina, and he joined the Army at the age of 18 where 
he dedicated the remainder of his life to fighting for the country he 
loved proudly and profoundly.
  First, serving in the Korean war, Mr. Costner later completed two 
terms in Vietnam, where his unwavering courage resulted in numerous 
medals of honor, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the 
Bronze Star.
  He eventually retired after 26 years with the rank of chief warrant 
officer 4 specializing in Army intelligence.
  Following his retirement from the Army, Mr. Costner continued to 
serve his country for the next 17 years with the Defense Investigative 
Service where he rose to regional director in Roanoke, Virginia.
  His dedication to serving his country and his people was perpetual, 
and he spent the last 27 years of his life with the Volunteer Income 
Tax Assistance Program in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where he prepared 
taxes free of charge for low-income, disabled, and elderly citizens of 
his community.
  Within Rock Hill, South Carolina, and the greater community, Mr. 
Costner was widely referred to as a hero, a role model, and most of 
all, a friend.
  He was greatly loved and cherished by his wife of 60 years, Helen; 
his three children; five grandchildren; great-grandson; and countless 
friends.
  Mr. Costner set the gold standard for over 70 years of service 
dedicated and committed to his country for which he will long be 
remembered. For all that, we join in saying good-bye to a hero.

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