[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 4, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S3232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CURT GRIFFITH

 Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, our veterans have a unique way 
of turning hardship into opportunities. No one displays that better 
than Sergeant Curt Griffith of Florence, AL.
  Curt experienced tragedy at a young age, losing his dad when he was 
only 6 years old. Despite growing up in a single-parent household, he 
found a sense of community and purpose in the Marine Corps. And now, he 
helps bring that same feeling of community to children in the Shoals.
  Curt joined the Corps at age 19 and traveled across the world, 
including two tours in Japan. His favorite stop was in a town 30 miles 
south of Hiroshima. On the second tour, he was able to bring his wife 
Barbara along with his two sons Curtis Jr. and Michael. Curtis 
describes their time in the Pacific as a crucial time for their 
family's growth. The Griffith family invested in the Japanese people--
and even found a common thing enjoyed by both of our cultures: 
baseball. Curtis Jr. and Michael would bring the baseball skills they 
developed in Japan all the way back to the Shoals, helping take their 
high school baseball team to the State championship, after coming back 
to Alabama.
  Curt also put his military skills to use, particularly getting 
involved with the local Marine Corps League and Toys for Tots charity. 
Thanks to Curt's leadership, the program has expanded to five counties 
in northeast Alabama: Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Winston, and 
Marion. The program helps meet needs of children in the local 
community, especially at Easter and Christmas. Through Curt's 
leadership, the children Toys for Tots serves has grown its reach from 
200 to almost 2,000 children in just a few short years. He works around 
the clock each year, to help remind children they are not alone.
  Curt is a great example of what strong leadership and a will to serve 
those in need can do. It is my honor to recognize Curt Griffith as the 
June Veteran of the Month.

                          ____________________