The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING SERGEANT GERALD SCHLOSSER, RECIPIENT OF TEXAS' THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2021 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION
______
HON. VAN TAYLOR
of texas
in the house of representatives
Monday, November 1, 2021
Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, it is my privilege to honor fifteen distinguished military veterans from Texas' Third Congressional District who answered the call to serve their Nation honorably, both in uniform and following their return to civilian life. The recipients of the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation exemplify the time-honored qualities of patriotism, service before self, and bold leadership. Following their time in service, their efforts in our community have earned these fine individuals recognition as the recipients of this prestigious commendation. Their stories of sacrifice will encourage future generations to pursue a life dedicated to the very values we cherish as Americans: faith, freedom, and democracy. One such hero is Sergeant Gerald Schlosser of Princeton, Texas.
Gerald Schlosser was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, only about a mile from the World Trade Center. Growing up, Gerald was strongly influenced by his uncle, a firefighter for the New York/New Jersey Port Authority and a First Responder to the 9/11 attacks, who instilled in him a sense of duty and service. In 2003, while playing college baseball, Schlosser felt called to enlist in the United States Army. Following Basic Combat Training at Fort Benning, Schlosser was deployed to combat operations in the Global War on Terrorism. He would complete multiple combat deployments to the Middle East, holding positions including rifleman, team leader, and squad leader.
For his efforts, Sergeant Schlosser would earn the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 2 Campaign Stars, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additionally, Schlosser was awarded a Purple Heart following the rocket ambush of his team's Humvee in Afghanistan during which time he rescued his fellow injured soldiers from the wreckage, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds from enemy fighters.
Following his retirement in 2013, Schlosser began a career as a firefighter, working his way up to Captain in the New Llano Fire Department. He went on to earn his paramedic license and board certification as a Tactical Combat Casualty Care Provider and instructor. His love for Tactical Medicine and desire to become a SWAT medic led him to the Police Academy and a position with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. Today, Officer Schlosser serves the City of Princeton as a patrol officer, Field Training Officer, Instructor, and Drug Recognition Expert. Sergeant Gerald Schlosser has served our nation and community with distinction and we are honored to recognize him with this award.
Today a grateful Nation thanks Sergeant Schlosser for his exceptional service and congratulates him on this recognition. May his steadfast example of leadership inspire others to live a life of service to a cause greater than themselves. It is my extreme honor to award him the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 191
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