HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF SAMUEL "SAM" STRUTH

HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF SAMUEL "SAM" STRUTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 46 (Thursday, March 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 46 (Thursday, March 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E209-E210] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF SAMUEL ``SAM'' STRUTH ______ HON. TIM WALBERG of michigan in the house of representatives Thursday, March 12, 2026 Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Samuel ``Sam'' Struth of Monroe as the Veteran of the Month for March and honor him for his dedicated service to our great Nation. Sam Struth served in the United States Army from 1975 to 1980. He completed basic and advanced training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and attended U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning in Georgia. He was assigned to the 548th Engineer Battalion at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he participated in numerous emergency relief operations, including earthquake relief in Guatemala in 1976, as well as flood recovery efforts [[Page E210]] in Virginia and West Virginia in 1979 and 1980. For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Expert Marksmanship Badge. Sam's service did not end when he took off the uniform. Sam has stayed actively involved in the veteran community, dedicating a significant amount of time to volunteer for various organizations such as Angels for Veterans and AMVETS of Monroe County. These organizations strengthen the bonds of fellowship, provide practical assistance, and remind our veterans that their sacrifices are both remembered and honored. In service to his community, Sam also co-founded Flags O'er Veterans with Ken Moore after identifying that several local cemeteries lacked American flags honoring deceased veterans. The organization pays tribute to veterans in Monroe by raising funds to install flagpoles, American flags, lighting, and memorial plaques in cemeteries where they are laid to rest. What began with a simple but powerful conviction that every veteran's resting place should be marked by the flag they defended has grown into a lasting local tribute. Sam Struth's remarkable life of service and his leadership working on behalf of America's veterans inspire us all. May others know of my high regard for Sam, as well as my deep gratitude for his lasting contributions to the country we love. ____________________