[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15383-15384]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF NATHAN B. ``NAT'' HENRY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HEATH SHULER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2012

  Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize SSgt. Nathan B. 
``Nat'' Henry, U.S. Army, (Ret.) for his service to our country and the 
sacrifices he has endured. A lifelong resident of Macon County, North 
Carolina, Henry left the peace and tranquility of Western North 
Carolina to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
  Facing overwhelming odds, Henry survived a battle in the infamous Ia 
Drang Valley in 1967. His subsequent capture by enemy forces, however, 
left him in North Vietnamese prison camps until Operation Homecoming in 
1973. His nearly six years in captivity holds the unenviable 
distinction of being one of the longest serving prisoners of the 
Vietnam War. Along with numerous other medals, Henry is the recipient 
of two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts.
  Henry served his country valiantly during the war and has continued 
to show dedication to his country and community since. Upon returning 
home to his community, Henry continued in the path of service by 
serving as an original member of the Burningtown Volunteer Fire 
Department. Additionally, remaining ever steadfast in his commitment to 
the veterans community in Macon County, he continues to be active in 
almost all veteran-related activities in the area including serving as 
both President and Chairman for the Smoky Mountain Vietnam Veterans 
Chapter 994.
  Mr. Speaker, today I offer thanks from a grateful nation for SSgt. 
Nathan B. ``Nat'' Henry's (Ret.) distinguished service and sacrifice. 
It is service such as Henry's that allows

[[Page 15384]]

us to continue to enjoy the freedom that he fought to protect.

                          ____________________