HONORING CHARLES RICHTER ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

HONORING CHARLES RICHTER ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E259] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING CHARLES RICHTER ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY ______ HON. MICHAEL CLOUD of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 24, 2026 Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles Richter, a World War II veteran and Victoria resident, as he celebrates his 100th birthday. His life reflects service, perseverance, and a deep commitment to family and country. Charles was born on March 23, 1926, in Yoakum, Texas, into a German American family with deep roots in South Texas. He spent his early years in Brownsville before moving to Victoria. As the oldest of six children, during the years surrounding the Great Depression and World War II, he helped support his family while completing his education. The day after graduating from Victoria High School in 1944, Charles enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the final year of World War II as a boiler room technician aboard destroyer escorts protecting merchant convoys in the Atlantic Theater. Following the war, Charles earned a business degree from Texas A&I University in Kingsville, married in 1951, and then began a career as a transportation superintendent. After retirement, he operated a cattle ranch and dedicated his time to mentoring youth as an assistant Scoutmaster. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to service, Charles was awarded the ``Spirit of Scouting'' Award by the Rio Grande Council's South Texas Council on January 22, 2026. As he celebrates a century of life, we honor his legacy of hard work, humility, and devotion to his family, community, and country. I wish Charles a happy birthday. ____________________