November 11, 2020
Dear friend,

Yesterday, I hosted a virtual ceremony for the 2020 Congressional Veteran Commendation recipients. During the ceremony, I recognized a group of local veterans and thanked them for their service to our nation and community.

The Congressional Veteran Commendation is a nominations-based program designed to recognize the wartime sacrifices and peacetime community involvement of veterans residing in Florida’s 25th Congressional District. The honorees, listed below, will be interviewed, and their wartime collections will be added to the Veterans History Project, sponsored by the Library of Congress.

Command Sergeant Major Craig A. Layton– United States Army
Naples, FL

First Sergeant David Ramos– United States Army
Naples, FL

Gunnery Sergeant Louis Edward Slagle– United States Marine Corps
Miami, FL

Sergeant Robert Mickey McGahee– United States Army
Clewiston, FL

Sergeant Larry S. Borman– United States Army
Miami Lakes, FL

Sergeant Carla A. Alvarado– United States Army
Doral, FL

Lance Corporal Alejandro Melorabi– United States Marine Corps
Miami Lakes, FL
As part of the Vietnam War Commemorative Partnership Program, I also recognized veterans of the Vietnam War for their sacrifice and service.
 
Present at the meeting was Mrs. Georgianna Carter-Krell, mother of Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War hero, PFC Bruce Carter, who was reburied at Arlington National Cemetery on November 4th, 2020.

I continue to be an advocate and steadfast supporter of our nation’s veterans and Armed Forces members, and I reiterate my gratitude for their bravery, selflessness, and commitment to our country.

Happy Veteran's Day!
Sincerely,

Mario Diaz-Balart
Member of Congress