-9999

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 102nd Birthday of Bartonville, Texas resident and World War II Navy veteran, Roberta Maxwell Richardson DuTeil. Mrs. DuTeil was born on January 10, 1922, in Waycross, GA.

In 1943, after graduating from the University of Alabama, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy. She trained first at the Midshipman's School then the Communications School, graduating with the rank of Ensign. Stationed at the U.S. Naval Base Headquarters, Terminal Island, CA, she worked rotating shifts around the clock, covering communications for Navy and Army installation in the area. Roberta was honorably discharged from active duty on May 11, 1946, at the rank of Lt (jg) and continued to serve in the Navy Reserves until March 1953.

Roberta married Army Captain Claude DuTeil in 1946 and supported his call to the ministry as he attended and graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary before being ordained as an Episcopal Priest. Over the next four decades, the DuTeils ministered to congregations in Hawaii and established a full-scale homeless shelter. Upon retirement, the couple moved to Bartonville to be close to their family.

Roberta has been very active in her church and local communities, supporting many charities. She is always proud to participate in patriotic celebrations and has served as a highlighted participant in the annual Double Oak Fourth of July parade. I was pleased to present her with the 26th District Congressional Veteran Commendation in 2016.

It was a privilege to join the Town of Bartonville for the special celebration of Roberta ``Tutu'' DuTeil's 102nd birthday on March 13, 2024. I request that my colleagues join me in commending Mrs. DuTeil's service on the mission field and military service to our Nation.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source