[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 39 (Monday, March 2, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

             TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL HAROLD STANFORD

 Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, Alabama is proud to be home to 
so many great veterans who have represented us well on the world stage. 
That is certainly true for LTC Harold Stanford of Barfield, AL. The 
Clay County native joined the Alabama Army National Guard while he was 
still in high school before going to Jacksonville State University and 
joining the ROTC unit there.
  Harold's Alabama training took him across the country, but one stop 
in Rockville, MD, would chart the course for his nearly three-decade 
military career. While here, Harold helped protect our Nation's Capital 
and surrounding area during the Vietnam war. This was also where Harold 
took his first helicopter flight, and he decided that aviation was how 
he would use his gifts to serve our country. He became an Army pilot 
and served two tours in Vietnam in the 60s. His company became known as 
the Rattlers.
  Harold received the Distinguished Flying Cross medal--the highest 
honor for aerial flight--for his bravery during a mission where he 
successfully landed his Chinook after losing an engine due to enemy 
fire. Harold safely landed the chopper along with 8,000 pounds of ammo 
and the whole crew intact. But Harold's service extended far past being 
a skilled pilot. He devoted much of his time off duty to serving a 
leper colony, demonstrating the very best of American generosity and 
goodwill. Over the years, he has received numerous other decorations, 
including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service 
Commendation medal, seven Air Medals, several unit citations, and many 
more.
  We could all learn a thing or two from Harold. After retiring from 
the military, Harold continued to fly corporate planes for another 18 
years. Eventually, after 22 moves, the Stanfords returned home to the 
Barfield community in 2002 and settled into the house next door from 
where his wife Martha grew up. Harold credits Martha for standing by 
his side in every step of their lives. They recently celebrated 67 
years of marriage together and are the proud parents of two adult sons: 
David and Michael. For 16 years, Harold continued saving lives as a 
fireman with the Barfield Volunteer Fire Department. Harold has stayed 
involved in his retirement. He is a member of the VFW Post 9581, 
American Legion, and the Vietnam Helicopter Association.
  As his wife Martha says, ``[Harold] had a very strong feeling of 
service to [his] country.'' Alabama is grateful for veterans like 
Harold who continue to put country and community above themselves. It 
is my honor to recognize Harold Stanford as the March Veteran of the 
Month.

                          ____________________