Private First Class Felton Roger Fussell Memorial Post Office

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3953, legislation to designate the Elfers post office as the Private First Class Felton Roger Fussell Memorial Post Office.

I never had a chance to meet Private First Class Felton Roger Fussell, but after working on this legislation with his family and friends, I wish I had.

Private Fussell was born in New Port Richey, Florida, and graduated from Gulf High School in 1968. Despite his love for hunting, fishing, and repairing old cars, Private Fussell pursued his calling by enlisting in the Marine Corps.

On June 6, 1968, Private Fussell entered the service along with his friend, Jack Mathison, under the Buddy System program. They went to basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, where Roger was the high shooter for his platoon.

He also was honored with the Expert Marksman Medal for superior scores in rifle range shooting. Private Fussell then continued on to advanced infantry training at Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton.

Private Fussell departed for Vietnam in March of 1969 and served with honor and distinction. On the 1-year anniversary of his enlistment, he was killed by mortar fire in service of his country.

For his bravery and sacrifice, Private Fussell earned several awards, including the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, which is awarded for acts of valor and heroic conduct during an armed conflict.

He also received the Vietnamese Military Merit Medal, which is the highest military decoration that was bestowed by South Vietnam during the Vietnam war.

Clearly, Private First Class Felton Roger Fussell is a hero who is deserving of having his hometown's post office in Elfers, Florida, dedicated in his honor.

I have worked closely with Roger's family and with the entire Elfers community on this legislation to help solidify the memory of Private Fussell's bravery, American spirit, and optimism.

His actions served as an inspiration for his brother, Timothy, who has gone on to serve his community as chief of the Port Richey Fire Department.

Honoring Private Fussell with the Elfers post office's designation also honors the work of his sister, Myra. Myra served her community in this very post office for 20 years.

Let's honor this American hero and his family by passing H.R. 3953 and by designating the Elfers post office as the Private First Class Felton Roger Fussell Memorial Post Office.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source