[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 57 (Monday, March 31, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2090-S2091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO TRAVIS PARKER

 Mr. TUBERVILLE. Madam President, we learn a lot about a person 
by seeing where they choose to spend their time. For Medical Corpsman 
Travis Parker, he has chosen to give the last 50 years giving back to 
Alabama's veterans.
  After being drafted into the Army, Travis chose to become a medic. He 
was passionate about combining his medical training with helping 
soldiers harmed overseas. After completing his training at Fort Sam 
Houston, Travis was assigned to finish his tour at Fort Rucker. It was 
there that Travis saw the scars of war firsthand, as he treated 
soldiers returning home from the Vietnam war.
  This experience left a lasting impact on Travis that led him to 
devote his time serving other veterans and raising awareness to the 
challenges they face. He decided to make Enterprise his permanent home 
and has contributed to the Wiregrass in so many ways that it is hard to 
name them all.
  Travis began the ``Flags for Forgotten Soldiers'' to honor veterans 
who have lost their lives to suicide. Thanks to his efforts, more than 
660 flags have been placed around the area to commemorate the number of 
veterans that are lost to suicide each month. Travis has also helped 
make it easier for veterans to go about their daily routines by 
partnering with the American Legion to build wheelchair ramps in homes 
and public spaces. And in 2023, Travis helped bring the Traveling 
Vietnam Wall to Dothan on the 50th anniversary of the ending of the 
Vietnam war. Travis has helped lead numerous organizations, including 
AM-VETS Post 7, American Legion Post 82, and his local Vietnam Veterans 
of America chapter. Travis also founded the Wiregrass Honor Flight Hub 
and played a key role in launching the Association of Service Agencies 
(ASA), fostering collaboration among civic, church, and government 
organizations. Additionally, Travis is helping launch Alabama's first-
ever Guitars for Vets chapter. He spearheads numerous other local 
events to honor our Nation's heroes, including Wreaths Across America, 
Memorial Day, and 9/11 Patriot Day.
  Travis has received numerous awards for his inspiring community 
service

[[Page S2091]]

and veterans' work. Whether it is combating veterans' suicide or 
teaching veterans how to play the guitar, Travis has played a critical 
role in reminding Alabama's veterans they are not alone. He reminds us 
of what an important impact anyone can make on those around you just by 
showing up and lending a helping hand.
  Alabama is blessed to have veterans like Travis who didn't let their 
service end when they left the military. It is my honor to recognize 
Travis Parker as the April Veteran of the Month.

                          ____________________