HONORING BILL SWEET ON BEING NAMED VETERAN OF THE YEAR BY THE GRAND TRAVERSE AREA VETERANS COALITION

HONORING BILL SWEET ON BEING NAMED VETERAN OF THE YEAR BY THE GRAND TRAVERSE AREA VETERANS COALITION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E224] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BILL SWEET ON BEING NAMED VETERAN OF THE YEAR BY THE GRAND TRAVERSE AREA VETERANS COALITION ______ HON. JACK BERGMAN of michigan in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Bill Sweet on being named Veteran of the Year by the Grand Traverse Area Veterans Coalition. This well-deserved distinction reflects his steadfast dedication to his fellow Servicemembers, the communities throughout Northern Michigan, and our Nation. In May of 2025, Mr. Sweet embarked on an extraordinary 116-mile walk over the course of ten days to raise awareness for Veterans' mental health in partnership with Reining Liberty Ranch, a local Veterans nonprofit. Inspired by fellow Veteran, Travis Snyder, who was unable to complete his annual walk around Lake Michigan promoting awareness for Veterans' mental health and suicide prevention, Mr. Sweet chose to carry forward the mission by walking the M-22 stretch from Manistee County to Traverse City. With a sturdy pair of walking shoes and an American flag resting on his shoulder, Mr. Sweet set out to accomplish what he humbly described as ``a little bit of a selfish goal.'' Yet his journey was anything but selfish. As he traveled along the M-22 highway, he reflected on his family and friends and on the greater purpose of his walk: drawing attention to the challenges Servicemembers face long after their time in uniform has ended. His efforts embody the very best of American values: selflessness, determination, and an unwavering commitment to community. His walk serves as a powerful reminder that service does not end with one's final military contract; it continues in our dedication to supporting those who have sacrificed for our Nation. Mr. Speaker, let us all join in recognizing Mr. Bill Sweet for being named Veteran of the Year by The Grand Traverse Area Veterans Coalition. I thank him for his enduring commitment to our Veterans, his community, and our great country. ____________________