Recognizing Joseph Jesse Robert with A Congressional Veteran Commendation

Floor Speech

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Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to present Joseph Jesse Robert, of Mart, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His lifelong dedication to honoring the values of service and sacrifice exemplifies what it truly means to be a patriot.

Raised in west, Texas, Joseph signed his delayed enlistment forms in December 1977, before graduating high school in the spring of 1978. He attended IT training at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois and graduated from the Aerospace Ground Support Technician School before reporting to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. In 1979, he underwent advanced training on the MVP 116A Generator and became the only service member to receive a letter of certification as an engineer from Consolidated Diesel Company of Connecticut.

In October 1979, Joseph was deployed to South Korea, where his service qua lifted him for the South Korean Defense Medal. He was also awarded Airman of the Quarter for his branch in 1980 and became the inaugural Tactical Air Command 552nd AWACS Airman Maintenance Professional of the Year. Joseph's tour ended in August 1982. He began working to repair ground support equipment in 1986 but was laid off in July 1991 after suffering an injury that ended his service career

Joseph's civilian service began soon after. After working through his recovery, he became a volunteer first responder for the Prairie Hill Volunteer Fire Department and Mart Emergency Medial Service, where he earned his EMT Basic certification. In 2009, he faced another medical setback when he suffered a stroke, again affecting his ability to serve in active capacities. However, his desire to serve his community remained strong. In 2012, he became an MVPN volunteer with the Veterans One Stop in Waco, and from 2014 to 2017, he administered the Mexia Peer Support Center. He has held several leadership positions at the local VFW Post 4964 in Mexia, including Adjutant, Senior Vice, Quartermaster, and Commander, and he currently serves as the Service Officer for American Legion Post 288. Joseph also works with Veterans Partners of Texas, where he helps clothe, feed, and assist veterans daily.

Joseph's military and civilian service career has been long and impactful, earning him numerous awards, including the Army Service Ribbon, Marksman Qualification Badge (M-16), Maintenance Professional of the Year, Male MVPN Volunteer of the Year, Veteran Volunteer of the Year, and a certificate of appreciation as a Veteran of Foreign Wars. Joseph served his country in the Air Force and returned home to serve his community, continually seeking to offer his services in any capacity he can.

I am pleased to award Joseph Jesse Robert with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas.

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