[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 146 (Monday, September 8, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6399-S6400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT MICHAEL THORIN

 Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, it is hard to truly comprehend 
just all that our veterans face, even after returning home from the 
battlefield. They often bring home some form of scars--both visible and 
invisible--that they carry with them for the rest of their lives.
  That is true for Michael Thorin of Gardendale. After enlisting in the

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Army at 17 years old, he spent the next 19 years putting the safety of 
others above his own both in the Army and the Army National Guard. 
Michael went on two overseas deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq where 
he worked as a medic, cavalry scout, and a communications specialist.
  He received numerous awards and recognitions, including three Army 
Commendation Medals and five Army Achievement Medals. Despite being in 
a war zone, Michael's faith deepened while in Iraq. He saw firsthand 
where many Bible stories took place.
  Michael says his time in the military trained him to stay calm in 
high-intensity situations as he returned home to serving those around 
him in a new way. Michael came back to central Alabama and worked as a 
firefighter for the next few years. During this time, he received the 
awful news that altered the course of his life: His lungs were failing 
him.
  Michael was forced to quit his job, resulting in him and his family 
losing everything--their home, cars, and credit. This time, Michael had 
to lean on his friends for help, as he fought through redtape at the VA 
to get his benefits. Michael admits that his challenges left him with 
thoughts of ending his life, but his faith kept him pushing forward. 
Through all of these trials, Michael and his family have kept their 
heads held high.
  He is a true hero, and words fall short in relaying our gratitude for 
his service. September is Veterans Suicide Awareness Month, and we 
appreciate Michael reminding us of the need to support the men and 
women who have served in our military all year long. It is my honor to 
recognize SGT Michael Thorin as the September Veteran of the 
Month.

                          ____________________