Tommy Tuberville, AL
Linked statement
“I want to honor Leo Finn of Cullman, Alabama, as our July Veteran of the Month. He served our country in the military for 36 years, including in Vietnam and Afghanistan.”
“Mr. President, the Book of Proverbs tells us that ``without a vision, people perish.’’ For SGT Leo Finn of Cullman, AL, he has had a clear vision for his life from day one. Leo feels he was ``born to serve in the military’’ and spent 36 years serving our country in the Army and Army National Guard. Leo’s conviction to serve has been an asset to our country during some of the most troubling times, including the Vietnam war and War on Terror. Shortly after finishing college in Cullman, Leo enlisted in the Army. He quickly deployed to Vietnam, where he spent the next 2 years in the fight against communism in Southeast Asia. Upon returning home, he married his wife of 54 years, Sandra, and relocated back to Cullman where they have spent the last five decades working and raising their family. Leo remained in the Army, eventually transitioning to the National Guard, while keeping up two to three other full-time jobs. He deployed a second time in the early 2000s to Afghanistan, where he served as a platoon sergeant, sharing this same sense of purpose with those in his company. From Alabama to Vietnam to Afghanistan, Leo has made the Yellowhammer State proud. Now, he stays involved in the Cullman community through his membership at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and his local VFW Post. Over the last few years, Leo has faced cancer head-on, but it hasn’t slowed him down or made him lose his vision. He faced his diagnosis with the same philosophy he faced our enemies abroad: with bravery and without fear. It is no wonder that his friend and colleague Joe Black speaks so highly of Leo after all he has endured, saying: ``His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to duty set an example for everyone who had the opportunity to serve alongside him. Leo Finn represents the very best of the Alabama National Guard and the generation of veterans whose sacrifices helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.’’ I am thankful for Leo’s calling to serve our State and country through all the challenges he has faced. It is my honor to recognize him as the July Veteran of the Month.”
Mr. President, the Book of Proverbs tells us that ``without a vision, people perish.’’ For SGT Leo Finn of Cullman, AL, he has had a clear vision for his life from day one. Leo feels he was ``born to serve in the military’’ and spent 36 years serving our country in the Army and Army National Guard. Leo’s conviction to serve has been an asset to our country during some of the most troubling times, including the Vietnam war and War on Terror. Shortly after finishing college in Cullman, Leo enlisted in the Army. He quickly deployed to Vietnam, where he spent the next 2 years in the fight against communism in Southeast Asia. Upon returning home, he married his wife of 54 years, Sandra, and relocated back to Cullman where they have spent the last five decades working and raising their family. Leo remained in the Army, eventually transitioning to the National Guard, while keeping up two to three other full-time jobs. He deployed a second time in the early 2000s to Afghanistan, where he served as a platoon sergeant, sharing this same sense of purpose with those in his company. From Alabama to Vietnam to Afghanistan, Leo has made the Yellowhammer State proud. Now, he stays involved in the Cullman community through his membership at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and his local VFW Post. Over the last few years, Leo has faced cancer head-on, but it hasn’t slowed him down or made him lose his vision. He faced his diagnosis with the same philosophy he faced our enemies abroad: with bravery and without fear. It is no wonder that his friend and colleague Joe Black speaks so highly of Leo after all he has endured, saying: ``His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to duty set an example for everyone who had the opportunity to serve alongside him. Leo Finn represents the very best of the Alabama National Guard and the generation of veterans whose sacrifices helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.’’ I am thankful for Leo’s calling to serve our State and country through all the challenges he has faced. It is my honor to recognize him as the July Veteran of the Month.