congressional_record: CREC-2026-03-02-pt1-PgS729
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| granule_id | date | congress | session | volume | issue | title | chamber | granule_class | sub_granule_class | page_start | page_end | speakers | bills | citation | full_text |
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| CREC-2026-03-02-pt1-PgS729 | 2026-03-02 | 119 | 2 | TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL HAROLD STANFORD | SENATE | SENATE | SADDITIONAL | S729 | S729 | [{"name": "Tommy Tuberville", "role": "speaking"}] | 172 Cong. Rec. S729 | Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 39 (Monday, March 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 39 (Monday, March 2, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S729] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL HAROLD STANFORD Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, Alabama is proud to be home to so many great veterans who have represented us well on the world stage. That is certainly true for LTC Harold Stanford of Barfield, AL. The Clay County native joined the Alabama Army National Guard while he was still in high school before going to Jacksonville State University and joining the ROTC unit there. Harold's Alabama training took him across the country, but one stop in Rockville, MD, would chart the course for his nearly three-decade military career. While here, Harold helped protect our Nation's Capital and surrounding area during the Vietnam war. This was also where Harold took his first helicopter flight, and he decided that aviation was how he would use his gifts to serve our country. He became an Army pilot and served two tours in Vietnam in the 60s. His company became known as the Rattlers. Harold received the Distinguished Flying Cross medal--the highest honor for aerial flight--for his bravery during a mission where he successfully landed his Chinook after losing an engine due to enemy fire. Harold safely landed the chopper along with 8,000 pounds of ammo and the whole crew intact. But Harold's service extended far past being a skilled pilot. He devoted much of his time off duty to serving a leper colony, demonstrating the very best of American generosity and goodwill. Over the years, he has received numerous other decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service Commendation medal, seven Air Medals, several unit citations, and many more. We could all learn a thing or two from Harold. After retiring from the military, Harold continued to fly corporate planes for another 18 years. Eventually, after 22 moves, the Stanfords returned home to the Barfield community in 2002 and settled into the house next door from where his wife Martha grew up. Harold credits Martha for standing by his side in every step of their lives. They recently celebrated 67 years of marriage together and are the proud parents of two adult sons: David and Michael. For 16 years, Harold continued saving lives as a fireman with the Barfield Volunteer Fire Department. Harold has stayed involved in his retirement. He is a member of the VFW Post 9581, American Legion, and the Vietnam Helicopter Association. As his wife Martha says, ``[Harold] had a very strong feeling of service to [his] country.'' Alabama is grateful for veterans like Harold who continue to put country and community above themselves. It is my honor to recognize Harold Stanford as the March Veteran of the Month. ____________________ |