[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 95 (Tuesday, June 4, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S3950]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT ALVIN LYNCH

 Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, this month, I am proud to 
recognize U.S. Army Sergeant Alvin Lynch of Muscle Shoals. Born in 
Hamilton, AL, Alvin was drafted for the Vietnam War at age 21. He was 
deployed as part of the 82nd Airborne Division, participating in some 
of the most intense combat operations in Vietnam. Alvin was wounded in 
action, and had multiple brushes with death.
  On one particular night, he decided to sleep on the small air 
mattress provided to him, instead of sleeping on the ground as he 
normally did. This decision to sleep on an air mattress would save his 
life. The mattress absorbed the blow of a piece of shrapnel from a 
nearby explosion, keeping it from hitting him instead. Another time, he 
escaped a battle in the jungle with a shoulder wound that left him in 
the hospital for 3 weeks. He was one of the few men in his platoon to 
survive the encounter.
  Alvin credits the prayers of his wife and local church members for 
bringing him home safely. He received several awards for his heroism, 
including a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. For more than 40 years, he 
has been providing heating and cooling services to The Shoals region.
  In 1981, he began working at C & H Cooling and Heating. He bought the 
business in 2006 with a friend and still runs it today. Alvin credits 
the military for teaching him discipline and how to deal with stressful 
situations that businessowners often experience. But the most important 
thing Alvin took away from his time in the military is his faith, and 
he does not shy away from sharing his testimony with others.
  Alvin is now actively involved in Grace Life Church in Muscle Shoals, 
where he serves as an elder. Alabama is thankful for Alvin, and it is 
my honor to recognize him as the June Veteran of the Month.

                          ____________________