Recognizing Sergeant First Class Leidlein As May 2025 Veteran of the Month

Floor Speech

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Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with profound respect and gratitude to recognize the extraordinary service and unwavering dedication of Sergeant First Class Leidlein, a proud veteran of the United States Army and our distinguished Veteran of the Month for May 2025 from Michigan's 9th Congressional District. His exceptional military career and steadfast commitment to innovation, leadership, and mentorship embody the very best of American service.

Sergeant First Class Leidlein answered the call to serve his country on September 5, 1991, when he enlisted in the United States Army. Over a remarkable twenty-year career, he rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class, serving in diverse and demanding environments across the globe. After completing his initial training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he was assigned to the 4th of the 11th Field Artillery at Fort Richardson, Alaska, where he excelled in missions from the icy glaciers of Whittier to international operations in Thailand and training exercises in California's Mojave Desert.

Throughout his distinguished service, Sergeant First Class Leidlein earned numerous awards, including multiple Army Achievement Medals and Army Commendation Medals, in recognition of his leadership, technical expertise, and operational excellence. His assignments included critical modernization work at Fort Knox, leadership roles at Fort Drum with the 10th Mountain Division, and recruitment duties where he was recognized as a top recruiter in the Great Lakes Battalion. His innovations in integrating advanced battlefield technologies helped propel the Army into a new era of digital warfare.

Sergeant First Class Leidlein's service also included several combat deployments. He led and trained soldiers during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, supporting critical security and nation- building missions that included facilitating Afghanistan's first national election. Later, he served with distinction in Iraq, embedding with the 5th Iraqi Brigade near Baqubah, and returned to Afghanistan to advance stability operations in some of the nation's most challenging provinces. For his valor and meritorious service, he was awarded two Bronze Stars, a Meritorious Service Medal, a NATO Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation.

Following his retirement in September 2011, Sergeant First Class Leidlein left behind a legacy of courage, innovation, and selfless leadership. He mentored thousands of soldiers and cadets, contributed to groundbreaking Army modernization efforts, and helped shape the future of America's defense forces. His journey from the glaciers of Alaska to the deserts of Iraq reflects a career built on resilience, integrity, and an unyielding devotion to duty.

Mr. Speaker, let us express our sincerest appreciation to Sergeant First Class Leidlein for his outstanding military service and for his enduring contributions to our Nation's strength and security. His story is a testament to the American spirit of service, sacrifice, and excellence, and it is an honor to recognize him as our Veteran of the Month.

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