[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3737-S3738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT FIRST CLASS LEO FINN

  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, the Book of Proverbs tells us 
that ``without a vision, people perish.'' For SGT Leo Finn of Cullman, 
AL, he has had a clear vision for his life from day one. Leo feels he 
was ``born to serve in the military'' and spent 36 years serving our 
country in the Army and Army National Guard. Leo's conviction to serve 
has been an asset to our country during some of the most troubling 
times, including the Vietnam war and War on Terror.
  Shortly after finishing college in Cullman, Leo enlisted in the Army. 
He quickly deployed to Vietnam, where he spent the next 2 years in the 
fight against communism in Southeast Asia. Upon returning home, he 
married his wife of 54 years, Sandra, and relocated back to Cullman 
where they have spent the last five decades working and raising their 
family. Leo remained in the

[[Page S3738]]

Army, eventually transitioning to the National Guard, while keeping up 
two to three other full-time jobs.
  He deployed a second time in the early 2000s to Afghanistan, where he 
served as a platoon sergeant, sharing this same sense of purpose with 
those in his company. From Alabama to Vietnam to Afghanistan, Leo has 
made the Yellowhammer State proud. Now, he stays involved in the 
Cullman community through his membership at the Sacred Heart Catholic 
Church and his local VFW Post.
  Over the last few years, Leo has faced cancer head-on, but it hasn't 
slowed him down or made him lose his vision. He faced his diagnosis 
with the same philosophy he faced our enemies abroad: with bravery and 
without fear. It is no wonder that his friend and colleague Joe Black 
speaks so highly of Leo after all he has endured, saying: ``His 
dedication, professionalism, and commitment to duty set an example for 
everyone who had the opportunity to serve alongside him. Leo Finn 
represents the very best of the Alabama National Guard and the 
generation of veterans whose sacrifices helped preserve the freedoms we 
enjoy today.''
  I am thankful for Leo's calling to serve our State and country 
through all the challenges he has faced. It is my honor to recognize 
him as the July Veteran of the Month.

                          ____________________