Heath Shuler

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and the memory of Revolutionary War Soldier James Anderson, Sr. of Buncombe County, North Carolina.

On Sunday, November 11, 2012 in the Western North Carolina town of Mars Hill, the memory of Private James Anderson, Sr., a Patriot and Revolutionary War Soldier, was honored by the dedication of hallowed ground and his final resting place. The ceremony was conducted by descendents of Pvt. Anderson, and honored guests, members of the Edward Buncombe Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter of the Georgia Society of the Sons of The American Revolution.

Private Anderson was a true American Patriot and a proud North Carolinian. He served under Captain James Bonnell Company which was part of Spencers New Jersey Regiment under Major General John Sullivan. James Anderson Sr. was engaged for service on June 26th, 1778 and served 159 days at the rank of Private.

It is with great respect that I commend and remember this brave soldier who joined hands with countless other patriots to achieve American independence. I hope that today's generation of young men and women will follow the shining example of patriotism and dedication to freedom modeled by Pvt. James Anderson and other Revolutionary War heroes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize SSgt. Nathan B. ``Nat'' Henry, U.S. Army, (Ret.) for his service to our country and the sacrifices he has endured. A lifelong resident of Macon County, North Carolina, Henry left the peace and tranquility of Western North Carolina to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Facing overwhelming odds, Henry survived a battle in the infamous Ia Drang Valley in 1967. His subsequent capture by enemy forces, however, left him in North Vietnamese prison camps until Operation Homecoming in 1973. His nearly six years in captivity holds the unenviable distinction of being one of the longest serving prisoners of the Vietnam War. Along with numerous other medals, Henry is the recipient of two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts.

Henry served his country valiantly during the war and has continued to show dedication to his country and community since. Upon returning home to his community, Henry continued in the path of service by serving as an original member of the Burningtown Volunteer Fire Department. Additionally, remaining ever steadfast in his commitment to the veterans community in Macon County, he continues to be active in almost all veteran-related activities in the area including serving as both President and Chairman for the Smoky Mountain Vietnam Veterans Chapter 994.

Mr. Speaker, today I offer thanks from a grateful nation for SSgt. Nathan B. ``Nat'' Henry's (Ret.) distinguished service and sacrifice. It is service such as Henry's that allows us to continue to enjoy the freedom that he fought to protect.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor several of the volunteers who have served in my district office over the past six years while I have been in office. A Member of Congress' most important responsibility is to provide exceptional constituent services and these volunteers have assisted my staff in providing the excellent assistance so many have come to expect from our district. I take great pride in the work that each one has done on my behalf and on behalf of everyone in the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina.

These volunteers have always treated our constituents with the utmost respect and always made sure their needs were met in a timely fashion. I owe a debt of gratitude to each one of them for the support and friendship they have shown to me during my years of service in Congress.

Sarah Warrick volunteered on my campaigns and served as an intern in my Washington, DC, office on multiple occasions. Through her many years of involvement, Sarah has proven to be a hard working and committed public servant to the people of the 11th District. She and her family have been among my most steadfast supporters from the beginning, and I am thankful for their loyalty and friendship.

Sarah has been a standout in my office and an important part of my team over the years. She has a bright future ahead of her regardless of what career path she chooses to take.

Sarah should be proud of the service she has provided to our district and country. It has been an honor to serve with Sarah and as I retire from office I wish her the very best in the future. Western North Carolina is a better place because of her efforts and I will cherish the memories of serving with Sarah and the team by my side.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Sarah Warrick for her hard work on behalf of all of western North Carolina and to wish her continued success in her future endeavors.