[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 19, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL PAUL PHILADELPHIA HARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 19, 2024

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and celebrate the life 
of Lieutenant Colonel Paul Philadelphia Harris, who passed away at his 
home on Saturday, February 17, 2024.
  Lt Col Harris was born here, in Washington, D.C., to two loving 
parents. He grew up in Satellite Beach, Florida before making the 
decision to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. As a Marine, he served at 
home and overseas in Syria, Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan.
  A lifelong learner, Lt Col Harris devoted much of his free time to 
education. While enlisted, he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology 
and master's degree in logistics on his own time.
  His dedication to excellent service and to his country was evident. 
He served as a Marine for 30 years and rose through the ranks from 
Private to Lieutenant Colonel Electronics Maintenance Officer. He also 
served as a Marine Security Guard and bravely completed two tours in 
Okinawa, Japan, as well as a deployment to Southwest Asia as part of 
the Global War on Terrorism. Throughout his service, Lt Col Harris 
earned various awards--including four Expert Rifle Badges, three Expert 
Pistol Badges, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy and Marine 
Corp Commendation Medals, as well as Kuwait Liberation Medals for both 
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, four Southwest Asia Service Medals, three 
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, and a Marine Security Guard Ribbon. 
Prior to his retirement in October 2005, he was awarded many unit 
commendations in recognition of his exceptionally meritorious conduct 
in performance of outstanding achievement. After retiring from the 
service, he continued to provide insight and brought his expertise to 
various roles as a government contractor.
  Paul's love for dogs was well-known and he devoted much of his time 
to caring for his wife Marty's service dogs. He was often seen walking 
Sergeant III throughout the neighborhood in the early mornings. During 
his free time, he volunteered at the local SPCA, providing animals in 
the shelter with love and care.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Lieutenant 
Colonel Paul Philadelphia Harris' life and legacy of service. He will 
be greatly missed by his friends and loving family who will remember 
him for his kindness, courage, and strength.

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