[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2429-H2430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1100
                         HONORING JUSTIN DAVIS

  (Mr. Davis of North Carolina was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the Greenville, North 
Carolina, United States Army recruiters and those across the country 
are working hard to get the job done every single day.
  My son Justin has arrived now at Fort Benning, Georgia, to become an 
infantryman. He went from carrying our Nation's flag to now answering 
the call to protect it. He was inspired as a child and from his 4 years 
in JROTC with the Ram Battalion at Greene Central High School in Snow 
Hill.
  I recall a few months back, he called me and said that he wanted to 
talk to me about something, and I said: ``Son, what is it?''
  He said: ``Dad, I want to join the Army.'' I said: ``Well, son, you 
know I was in the Air Force, right?'' He said: ``Yes, I do, Dad.'' He 
said: ``But I want to join the Army, and you are not changing my 
mind.''
  I said: ``Well, son, what is it that you want to do?'' He said: ``I 
want to be an infantryman.'' I said: ``Son, do you understand the 
risk?'' He said: ``Yes, Dad, I understand the risk.'' He went on to say 
something very moving and profound. He said: ``Dad, I listed my 
brothers as my beneficiaries.''
  Later, he shared that, after praying, he went in and took the oath of 
office with his Bible in his pocket. By the way, I saw that Bible 
later. It was a camouflage Bible, but the words were the same.
  As his father, I said to him: ``Son, I love you. Serve us well.'' I 
found it in me to say: ``Hooah.''
  Mr. Speaker, I pause to give a special shout-out in recognition to 
Major Morales and Sergeant Penhollow, his JROTC instructors; Sergeant 
Head, who was really instrumental in sharing with Justin about the 
Army; and Sergeant First Class Young, who reminded all of us that you 
don't just recruit soldiers, but you recruit families.
  As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I must admit that 
I am a proud father. I am a proud father.
  Decisions that I make serving on the House Armed Services Committee 
have become just so personal that I want everyone to also understand I 
can't be willing to ask any parent across this country to send their 
son or daughter without giving mine.
  The last words that Justin shared with me before he was leaving, he 
said: ``Dad, I am going to make you proud.'' I would say to my 
colleagues, O God, he has more than made me proud.
  To all the recruits who are shipping out to serve our country, and 
especially right now during these challenging times--I was taking him 
to MEPS in Raleigh just over the weekend. During these challenging 
times, I

[[Page H2430]]

thank every single recruit with all of my heart. Thank you for your 
bravery. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your willingness to 
serve our country. Thank you for your love for America.
  To every recruit, I share the same words that I shared with my son: 
Be strong. Be of good courage. Be all that you can be.

                          ____________________