HONORING JUSTIN DAVIS

HONORING JUSTIN DAVIS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2429-H2430] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1100 HONORING JUSTIN DAVIS (Mr. Davis of North Carolina was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the Greenville, North Carolina, United States Army recruiters and those across the country are working hard to get the job done every single day. My son Justin has arrived now at Fort Benning, Georgia, to become an infantryman. He went from carrying our Nation's flag to now answering the call to protect it. He was inspired as a child and from his 4 years in JROTC with the Ram Battalion at Greene Central High School in Snow Hill. I recall a few months back, he called me and said that he wanted to talk to me about something, and I said: ``Son, what is it?'' He said: ``Dad, I want to join the Army.'' I said: ``Well, son, you know I was in the Air Force, right?'' He said: ``Yes, I do, Dad.'' He said: ``But I want to join the Army, and you are not changing my mind.'' I said: ``Well, son, what is it that you want to do?'' He said: ``I want to be an infantryman.'' I said: ``Son, do you understand the risk?'' He said: ``Yes, Dad, I understand the risk.'' He went on to say something very moving and profound. He said: ``Dad, I listed my brothers as my beneficiaries.'' Later, he shared that, after praying, he went in and took the oath of office with his Bible in his pocket. By the way, I saw that Bible later. It was a camouflage Bible, but the words were the same. As his father, I said to him: ``Son, I love you. Serve us well.'' I found it in me to say: ``Hooah.'' Mr. Speaker, I pause to give a special shout-out in recognition to Major Morales and Sergeant Penhollow, his JROTC instructors; Sergeant Head, who was really instrumental in sharing with Justin about the Army; and Sergeant First Class Young, who reminded all of us that you don't just recruit soldiers, but you recruit families. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I must admit that I am a proud father. I am a proud father. Decisions that I make serving on the House Armed Services Committee have become just so personal that I want everyone to also understand I can't be willing to ask any parent across this country to send their son or daughter without giving mine. The last words that Justin shared with me before he was leaving, he said: ``Dad, I am going to make you proud.'' I would say to my colleagues, O God, he has more than made me proud. To all the recruits who are shipping out to serve our country, and especially right now during these challenging times--I was taking him to MEPS in Raleigh just over the weekend. During these challenging times, I [[Page H2430]] thank every single recruit with all of my heart. Thank you for your bravery. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your willingness to serve our country. Thank you for your love for America. To every recruit, I share the same words that I shared with my son: Be strong. Be of good courage. Be all that you can be. ____________________