[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING VETERAN JAMES SMITH, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LANCE GOODEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2026

  Mr. GOODEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the historic 
life and accomplishments of Veteran James Smith, Jr. of Terrell, Texas. 
Mr. Smith, Jr.'s life has been dedicated to service. Serving eight 
years in the Navy, he had various deployments and held the rank of E-5 
at the time of his discharge.
  He began his fearless journey in Boot Camp in San Diego, which was 
followed by an assignment in Whidbey, Washington. Mr. Smith, Jr. then 
served on a crash crew on the USS Boxer out of San Francisco, where he 
frequently wore asbestos suits as protection from frequent bombing 
raids. In the great state of Texas, he served two years at Naval Air 
Station Kingsville and another term with an air squadron in Virginia. 
Mr. Smith, Jr. was stationed in Patuxent River, Maryland, in his final 
two years of service and graduated from the Combat Airman School.
  For his dedicated service to our Nation, he received several honors, 
including the National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, 
United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 
and Three-Star Attachments. It is my honor to recognize Mr. Smith, 
Jr.'s long life of service to our country and community, and I wish him 
the best in the coming years.

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