[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 14, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E425-E426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING SERGEANT FIRST CLASS LEIDLEIN AS MAY 2025 VETERAN OF THE 
                                 MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LISA C. McCLAIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 14, 2025

  Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with profound respect and 
gratitude to recognize the extraordinary service and unwavering 
dedication of Sergeant First Class Leidlein, a proud veteran of the 
United States Army and our distinguished Veteran of the Month for May 
2025 from Michigan's 9th Congressional District. His exceptional 
military career and steadfast commitment to innovation, leadership, and 
mentorship embody the very best of American service.
  Sergeant First Class Leidlein answered the call to serve his country 
on September 5, 1991, when he enlisted in the United States Army. Over 
a remarkable twenty-year career, he rose to the rank of Sergeant First 
Class, serving in diverse and demanding environments across the globe. 
After completing his initial training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he was 
assigned to the 4th of the 11th Field Artillery at Fort Richardson, 
Alaska, where he excelled in missions from the icy glaciers of Whittier 
to international operations in Thailand and training exercises in 
California's Mojave Desert.
  Throughout his distinguished service, Sergeant First Class Leidlein 
earned numerous awards, including multiple Army Achievement Medals and 
Army Commendation Medals, in recognition of his leadership, technical 
expertise, and operational excellence. His assignments included 
critical modernization work at Fort Knox, leadership roles at Fort Drum 
with the 10th Mountain Division, and recruitment duties where he was 
recognized as a top recruiter in the Great Lakes Battalion. His 
innovations in integrating advanced battlefield

[[Page E426]]

technologies helped propel the Army into a new era of digital warfare.
  Sergeant First Class Leidlein's service also included several combat 
deployments. He led and trained soldiers during Operation Enduring 
Freedom in Afghanistan, supporting critical security and nation-
building missions that included facilitating Afghanistan's first 
national election. Later, he served with distinction in Iraq, embedding 
with the 5th Iraqi Brigade near Baqubah, and returned to Afghanistan to 
advance stability operations in some of the nation's most challenging 
provinces. For his valor and meritorious service, he was awarded two 
Bronze Stars, a Meritorious Service Medal, a NATO Medal, and a 
Presidential Unit Citation.
  Following his retirement in September 2011, Sergeant First Class 
Leidlein left behind a legacy of courage, innovation, and selfless 
leadership. He mentored thousands of soldiers and cadets, contributed 
to groundbreaking Army modernization efforts, and helped shape the 
future of America's defense forces. His journey from the glaciers of 
Alaska to the deserts of Iraq reflects a career built on resilience, 
integrity, and an unyielding devotion to duty.
  Mr. Speaker, let us express our sincerest appreciation to Sergeant 
First Class Leidlein for his outstanding military service and for his 
enduring contributions to our Nation's strength and security. His story 
is a testament to the American spirit of service, sacrifice, and 
excellence, and it is an honor to recognize him as our Veteran of the 
Month.

                          ____________________