[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9418]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JERRY COONEY

 Mr. TESTER. Madam President, I wish to honor Jerry Eugene 
Cooney, a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
  It is my honor to share the story of Jerry's service, because no 
veteran's story should ever go unrecognized.
  Jerry was born in Billings, MT in 1946. After graduating from Joliet 
High School in 1965, Jerry joined the U.S. Navy. He underwent basic 
training in San Diego before being assigned to the Seabees' 21st Naval 
Construction Regiment in Davisville, RI. In October of 1966, the 
Twenty-first went to Da Nang, Vietnam where it constructed a Marine 
base.
  During his tour in Vietnam, Jerry's unit was under constant enemy 
fire for which he earned a Combat Action Ribbon. Jerry returned to the 
United States in July of 1967. After a short leave, Jerry joined an 
advance team to Antarctica in September of 1967 where he spent the 
summer expanding McMurdo Station.
  Following his stop in Antarctica, Jerry spent the remainder of his 
service as part of a five-man exhibition team tasked with representing 
the Seabees across the country. Jerry mustered out of Active Duty in 
September of 1968 and joined the Retired Reserves.
  In 1969, Jerry married Lori and together they had two children and 
six grandchildren. Jerry worked for Montana-Dakota utilities for 35 
years before he retired in 2006.
  Last month, in the presence of his wife Lori, it was my honor to 
present Jerry with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service 
Medal with Two Bronze Stars, and Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.
  It was my honor to also present a Combat Action Ribbon, Antarctica 
Service Medal, and a Discharge Button.
  These decorations are small tokens, but they are powerful symbols of 
true heroism, sacrifice, and dedication to service.
  These medals are presented on behalf of a grateful nation.

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