[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S5933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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             RECOGNIZING THE VETERANS CELEBRATION COMMITTEE

 Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to the 
Veterans Celebration Committee, which has been together since 1999 to 
honor and support veterans throughout northwest Louisiana.
  Every year, the Veterans Celebration Committee puts on a veterans 
honor ceremony in Shreveport. This past year, they held a program at 
the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium on Veterans Day. At that event, 
they honored specific veterans who make enormous contributions to their 
country and community. One such veteran was Mr. Sam Archie Mattox, who 
turned 104 years old last September. He served in the 642nd Company 
Army Field Organization and in Australia, the Philippines, Papua New 
Guinea, and Japan for 26 months during World War II. He was awarded two 
Bronze Stars, among other medals, and worked as a brick mason until he 
was 92 years old.
  The Veterans Celebration Committee also honored veterans who served 
in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and in other theaters and now support 
churches, businesses, nonprofit groups, and other veterans in northwest 
Louisiana. One overcame homelessness to help homeless veterans in 
Shreveport. Another organizes fundraising events for Toys for Tots. Yet 
another serves as the assistant medical director for Overton Brooks VA 
Medical Center. The Veterans Celebration Committee ensures that 
northwest Louisiana knows about their accomplishments and service to 
the community, by publicly honoring them.
  They also hold a veterans parade on the day after the veterans honor 
ceremony to give the community another opportunity to show their love 
for veterans. This year's parade will be the 13th to take place. 
Moreover, they hold an annual event close to Memorial Day that supports 
the family members of veterans and honors those who made the ultimate 
sacrifice for our country.
  When the Veterans Celebration Committee started its work in 1999, one 
of its cofounders was retired Air Force Colonel Steve dePryssler, who 
is the only known American to serve in World War II, Korea, French 
Indo-China, and Vietnam. He helped veterans obtain disability benefits, 
hosted annual POW-Purple Heart veteran's luncheons, established the 
Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home Trust Fund, and volunteered for 47 
years at the Barksdale AFB retiree center, without pay. He passed away 
in 2020 at the age of 101, and every year, the committee gives an award 
in his name for outstanding service to veterans.
  Today, the Veterans Celebration Committee carries forward the legacy 
of Colonel dePryssler to support and honor veterans in northwest 
Louisiana. I want to specifically thank Caddo Parish Commissioner Ken 
Epperson, Sr., for chairing the committee, and everyone who supports 
their efforts, including American Legion and VFW posts, Active and 
Reserve military units, Barksdale Air Force Base, and elected officials 
throughout the region. Thanks to them, our veterans are not forgotten 
and never will be.

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