Awarding Lieutenant Colonel Dewey Ray Collier A Congressional Veteran Commendation
Floor Speech
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Mr. FALLON. Madam Speaker, I am honored and privileged to award Lieutenant Colonel Dewey Ray Collier II with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His service and sacrifice through the United States Army exemplify his national pride and embodiment as a role-model citizen to serve the country he loves. Lieutenant Colonel Collier is truly an ideal candidate to receive the Congressional Veteran Commendation.
Lieutenant Colonel Collier began his military duty as a Non- Commissioned Officer where he was assigned as a Platoon Sergeant. Leading twenty enlisted soldiers whose responsibility was to upkeep and operate twelve UH1H Helicopters, Lieutenant Colonel Collier played a crucial role in supporting combat and non-combat missions. With the promotion to Junior Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Collier was tasked with caring for neonatal infants and providing emotional support to families.
Lieutenant Colonel Collier began his medical responsibilities for the military as a Mid Level Officer. Using decorated medical knowledge and an impressive skill set, his involvement in life-saving surgery and non-combat surgical procedures included: open heart, vascular, neurology, and trauma nursing duties. Upon his promotion to Senior Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Collier continued challenging the lives of servicemen by coordinating all aspects of surgical services.
After the attack on the twin towers in 2001, Lieutenant Colonel Collier deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom, spending time in Kuwait as part of the 555th Forward Surgical Team. His unit extended its duties in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom where Lieutenant Colonel Collier's unit became the first unit to reach Baghdad.
Lieutenant Colonel Collier is a true American patriot who comes from a long line of veterans who have fought in every American war since the Revolutionary War. National pride is truly built into his DNA.
I am beyond honored to have Lieutenant Colonel Collier in Texas' 4th Congressional district and am privileged to award such a distinguished citizen for his sacrifices.
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