Motion to Discharge

Floor Speech

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Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President.

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Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, it is an honor to talk about a good friend of ours, Woody Williams, here with my fellow Senator from the West Virginia, to talk about our fellow West Virginian, Hershel ``Woody'' Williams.

He is just an incredible, incredible, individual. He turned 98 just, I think, last week. So he was born in 1923, which was the same year my father was born. Woody and I have talked about this because when I see him, I see my dad and that generation. My dad is no longer with us. You know, they did incredible things at such a young age.

One day, I was honored to sit next to Woody on an airplane flying home. He travels all over. It is amazing where he goes and what he does. He told me his whole story of joining the Marines and signing up for the Marines and why he wanted to do it. He was a country boy, just born--they didn't really actually know when he was born. He didn't have a full birth certificate. And he is a little guy. He wasn't quite big enough to maybe get--be able to join, and he worried about that. He was 17, but nobody really knew how old he was.

I asked him: Well, what was your attraction of being in the Marines?

He said one day he was in town and he saw this guy walk by, and he was fully dressed in a Marine uniform.

And he said: I want to be that guy. I want to wear that uniform.

And he persevered, as he has in every aspect of his life.

There are so many, as Senator Manchin said, so many brave from that ``greatest generation'' that served in World War II. And he is the final World War II veteran Medal of Honor recipient of that award.

We are so proud of him in West Virginia because, you know, it didn't stop there for him. He spent a lifetime advocating for veterans, for veterans' health, for fallen soldiers' families, in a whole variety of roles, and he never stopped.

As Senator Manchin said, he fought valiantly in the Battle of Iwo Jima, storming those pill boxes, all four of them, under relentless fire. He survived the entire 5-week campaign in Iwo Jima. As we know, that was one of the most staunchly defended Japanese strong points at that time, and his actions played a critical role in the eventual capture of that island.

He has inspired future generations to want to serve our Nation. He is a hero for what he has done at home. He has committed himself for 75 years to veterans and their families, and he created the Hershel Woody Williams Foundation.

Through his foundation, Woody advocates for and recognizes the sacrifices of our Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in the military.

Because of his tremendous efforts, Woody and his foundation are responsible for 60 Gold Star family memorial monuments. Senator Manchin and I have been to the grand opening. They just had a new one in Charleston, on the grounds of the Charleston capitol. It is beautiful to see, and the other 70 additional monuments that are going to be built in the future.

We need reminders, I think. We need reminders of the sacrifices that people make. And we need reminders of what it takes to defend our liberties, our freedoms, our families. So we are really, really pleased to be here.

The West Virginia Legislature included Woody in the West Virginia Hall of Fame and named him a Distinguished West Virginian in 1980, and again in 2013, and they would probably do it again next year. He is just so exceptional.

His unending energy and passion have also inspired many generations. He has spoken to numerous schools, universities, community events, and veterans' receptions, promoting patriotism and the ideals of service above self.

I have been privileged to attend--and I know Senator Manchin has too--several speeches given by Woody Williams, keeping in mind the last one I heard, he was 97 years old. Oh, my gosh, so inspiring. It makes you just want to feel pride for our country but also for our people, that our country boy from West Virginia could keep inspiring the next generations.

He has been here to the Halls of the U.S. Capitol. Or you might have even seen him at the coin flip--how did he get there?--at the Super Bowl in 2018. So he has gone on to really, I think, be a remarkable human being. If you haven't met him or haven't seen him, make sure you get a chance if you hear he is coming your way.

Abraham Lincoln famously said: ``Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.''

Today, I am proud to honor my friend, with Senator Manchin and many other West Virginians and others around the country, and to share his stories of courage, compassion, and the service not only in the past but the service that he has today. I am glad to join a bipartisan group of our colleagues in honoring him and honoring him in the future.

Thank you.

I yield back.

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