[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15845]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 IN TRIBUTE TO 1SG. GERALD B. WRIGHT (RET.) ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE 
                   CONNECTICUT VETERANS HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 17, 2014

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, in America's veterans we regularly see 
many of the most prized attributes of American spirit. Our men and 
women in uniform are frequently called upon to create innovative 
solutions to complex problems in the most dangerous of environments. 
Through such harrowing experiences, our veterans develop skills and 
knowledge that frequently lead them to find new ways to continue 
serving and supporting their communities long after they take off the 
uniform. Few exemplify these qualities more than First Sergeant Gerald 
B. Wright (Ret.), who will be inducted into the Connecticut Veterans 
Hall of Fame next week.
  I have known Gerry for over 15 years, during which time I have 
witnessed his dedication to service both in and out of uniform. A 
tireless advocate for service members, their families and veterans from 
all branches and components of our Armed Forces, Gerry's advocacy and 
devotion to those who have served demonstrates the qualities that make 
him a revered member of his community, state and nation.
  Gerry first enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1968, and was 
deployed to Vietnam less than a year later. He served with the 19th 
Combat Engineers Battalion, 18th Engineering Brigade where he was 
responsible for road work, mine sweeps, security, and reconnaissance. 
In 1970, he was attached to the Seventh Special Forces Group, before 
returning to the United States to attend Pathfinder School, becoming an 
expert in land navigation.
  After completing his second tour in November 1971, Gerry retired from 
active duty and returned to Connecticut to start his family and found 
his own business. Still fulfilling the call to serve, Gerry joined the 
Connecticut Army National Guard, with whom he would serve for 17\1/2\ 
additional years, during which he was part of Operation Desert Storm, 
and also led soldiers from Connecticut to Southern California to assist 
in constructing fencing and obstacles at our nation's border. There, he 
was commended by his commander for being the first rotation to not have 
a single heat or accident casualty due to the extreme temperatures of 
the region.
  Gerry's care for his comrades and brothers-in-arms has not shown the 
slightest signs of fading since his retirement from the National Guard 
in 1999. Gerry has consistently supported his fellow service members by 
storing the possessions of deploying soldiers, repairing and donating 
vehicles to veterans unable to afford their own, or helping place 
transitioning soldiers in civilian jobs, sometimes at his own business. 
Since 9/11, Gerry has been a regular, consistent attendee at ``Send 
Off'' and ``Welcome Home'' events at the Hartford Armory for 
Connecticut National Guard units deployed to the Middle East. In August 
of 2010, Gerry also completed the grueling ``Legacy Run to Reno'', a 
fundraiser to benefit military children who lost a parent in Iraq or 
Afghanistan.
  Gerry is an invaluable asset to eastern Connecticut's veteran 
community, and a shining example of every honorable quality we see in 
our service members. Next week, he will be inducted into the 
Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame--the latest in a long list of honors 
and awards for which he is more than deserving.

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