Awarding Chief Warrant Officer Ralph O'dell A Congressional Veteran Commendation

Floor Speech

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Mr. FALLON. Madam Speaker, I am honored and privileged to award Chief Warrant Officer Ralph O'Dell 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. Chief Warrant Officer O'Dell is truly an ideal candidate to receive the Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Chief Warrant Officer O'Dell served overseas during WWII in the Pacific Theater. He had the ambition of fighting for freedom and democracy across the world. Specifically, Chief Warrant Officer O'Dell's skill set was on display in New Guinea, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, and the Liberation of the Philippines.

Throughout Chief Warrant Officer O'Dell's 42 years of service in the Army, he served as an Azimuth Tracker where he fired anti-aircraft artillery 40-millimeter guns. In addition to his time on the battlefield, he was a clerk-typist as an instructor in Finance and Personnel.

Chief Warrant Officer O'Dell attended the 4150th U.S. Army Reserve School in Dallas. His expertise was valued by Reserve Units out of Dallas, Waco, and Lubbock.

Chief Warrant Officer O'Dell's time after his military service involves his continued passion to better his community. Organizations such as: Rotary International, Silver-Haired Legislature, Reserve Officers Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion have all benefited from Chief Warrant Officer O'Dell's knowledge, experience, and dedication.

I am beyond honored to have Chief Warrant Officer O'Dell in Texas' 4th Congressional District and am privileged to award such a distinguished citizen for his sacrifices.

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