Recognizing Lt. Colonel Floydridge Underwood

Floor Speech

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Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lt. Colonel Floydridge Underwood's devotion to our nation and his commitment to serving the JROTC program.

Lt. Col. Underwood was born in Selma, Alabama and knew at the age of 7 that he wanted to serve in the armed forces. He enlisted in the Air Force immediately after high school.

He rose through the ranks and was promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel over the years. He served in the Air Force for 26 years serving through 22 different assignments.

During his time in the Air Force, he found himself leaning towards giving back to the community the knowledge he had acquired through his service.

Lt. Col. Underwood was selected to serve as the Commander for the JROTC program at Pine Bluff High School. He has served in this role for over 17 years.

During his time as the Commander for the Pine Bluff High School JROTC program, he inspired his cadets to follow this path and join the Armed Forces. More than 30 of his cadets have served in the Armed Forces.

Lt. Col. Underwood will be awarded with the 2022 Martin Luther King Jr. Salute to Greatness Award.

In Selma, he grew up during the Civil Rights movement and took every opportunity to stay involved in the movement.

In March 1965, Lt. Col. Underwood, this son of Selma joined my friend, late Congressman John Lewis, in crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge enroute to Montgomery and into history.

Lt. Col. Underwood is a great example of an Arkansan who has dedicated his life to defending our Nation, educating our youth, and fighting for freedom of life and liberty.

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