[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLIE DICKINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 15, 2026

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Charlie Dickinson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and 
Vietnam War veteran.
  Mr. Dickinson was born in Lebanon, Missouri, in 1950, but at age 
thirteen, he moved to his family's dairy farm in Hartville. Shortly 
after he graduated high school in 1968, he was drafted into the United 
States Army where he served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne 
Division in the Vietnam War. Following his service, he returned to 
Lebanon where he worked at Lowe Boats until his retirement.
  Mr. Dickinson was a pillar in the Hartville community where he served 
as a member of the Elk Creek Baptist Church, an avid supporter of 
Hartville High School sports and academic programs, and an active 
member of numerous local organizations. He was also a proud third 
baseman for the community softball team which he joined in the 1970s.
  Outside of his local community, Mr. Dickinson also dedicated much of 
his life to serving his fellow veterans through his involvement in 
organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars 
(VFW). He consistently advocated for veterans, helped them obtain their 
service benefits, and would often be found placing flags on hundreds of 
graves each year to honor the legacy of his fellow soldiers. He was a 
champion for veterans' rights in not only Jefferson City, but also in 
Washington, D.C., for which he received a Lifetime Achievement Award 
from the VFW.
  It is my privilege to recognize Mr. Dickinson, and I ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring his life and service to our state and 
country.

                          ____________________