[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 18 (Wednesday, January 31, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED MILITARY SERVICE OF AIRMAN BOBBY RAY STINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DIANA HARSHBARGER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2024

  Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to posthumously recognize 
and extend gratitude to Airman Bobby Ray Stinson for his honorable 
military service during the Vietnam War Era.
  Airman Stinson was a man defined by his resolute and enduring love of 
country. Airman Stinson joined the United States Air Force in August 
1964. Soon after, he was assigned to Lackland Air Force Base in San 
Antonio, Texas. During this assignment, Airman Stinson served as an 
aircraft mechanic. He dreamed of one day becoming an Air Force Pilot 
like his father-in-law. However, due to a service-related injury, 
Airman Stinson instead received an honorable discharge from the Air 
Force.
  Following his military service, Airman Stinson returned home to his 
beloved wife, Shirley Jean in Tennessee. As a stalwart patriot, he made 
sure the American Flag flew high in their front yard in Blountville. In 
his civilian life, Airman Stinson served a multidecade career at 
Eastman Chemical. At Eastman, Airman Stinson's leadership and character 
proved indispensable. He helmed the maintenance division, where he 
oversaw and managed large-scale machinery repair and power operations 
until his retirement in 1998.
  Airman Stinson's word was his bond. His colleagues, friends, and 
neighbors knew him as a man of integrity, honor, and conviction. As a 
father, he taught his three sons, Mike, Travis, and Jeff Stinson of 
Blountville, Tennessee the difference between right and wrong, the 
value of hard work, and to never take the easy way out.
  Even in his retirement, Airman Stinson's duty of service never 
wavered. Both as an active member of the Ruritan Club and a dedicated 
volunteer to the Blountville First Baptist Church, he would always lend 
a hand whenever he could. Airman Stinson loved to spend time with his 
family, especially his six wonderful grandchildren. A year before his 
passing, Airman Stinson and his wife celebrated their fiftieth wedding 
anniversary. He is remembered by all who knew him as a great Christian 
man, who always stood true to his faith in God.
  Please join me in honoring the life of Airman Bobby Ray Stinson and 
for his patriotic service to our country.

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