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US CONGRESS · SITTING

Jason Smith

Representative for Missouri · Republican · United States

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Active in organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and the National Honor Society, Mr. Austin made a lasting contribution to his school and community. He is also a proud Eagle Scout.

HONORING MATTHEW GIBSON AUSTIN · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

Active in organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and the National Honor Society, Mr. Austin made a lasting contribution to his school and community. He is also a proud Eagle Scout.

CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGE692 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

Shortly after he graduated high school in 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division in the Vietnam War. Following his service, he returned to Lebanon where he worked at Lowe Boats until his retirement. Mr.

HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLIE DICKINSON · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

Shortly after he graduated high school in 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division in the Vietnam War. Following his service, he returned to Lebanon where he worked at Lowe Boats until his retirement. Mr.

CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGE694-5 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E692] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MATTHEW GIBSON AUSTIN ______ HON.

HONORING MATTHEW GIBSON AUSTIN · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E692] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MATTHEW GIBSON AUSTIN ______ HON.

CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGE692 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

The complete record

Every one of 12 lines we hold for Jason Smith, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account.

  1. He consistently advocated for veterans, helped them obtain their service benefits, and would often be found placing flags on hundreds of graves each year to honor the legacy of his fellow soldiers. He was a champion for veterans' rights in not only Jefferson City, but also in Washington, D.C., for which he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the VFW. It is my privilege to recognize Mr. Dickinson, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his life and service to our state and country. ____________________

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGE694-5 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  2. Shortly after he graduated high school in 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division in the Vietnam War. Following his service, he returned to Lebanon where he worked at Lowe Boats until his retirement. Mr. Dickinson was a pillar in the Hartville community where he served as a member of the Elk Creek Baptist Church, an avid supporter of Hartville High School sports and academic programs, and an active member of numerous local organizations. He was also a proud third baseman for the community softball team which he joined in the 1970s. Outside of his local community, Mr. Dickinson also dedicated much of his life to serving his fellow veterans through his involvement in organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGE694-5 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  3. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E694] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLIE DICKINSON ______ HON. JASON SMITH of missouri in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Charlie Dickinson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and Vietnam War veteran. Mr. Dickinson was born in Lebanon, Missouri, in 1950, but at age thirteen, he moved to his family's dairy farm in Hartville.

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGE694-5 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  4. Austin's commitment to service reflects a rare combination of compassion and humility. On behalf of the 8th Congressional District of Missouri, I commend Matthew Gibson Austin for his pursuit of excellence, his breadth of achievement, and his dedication to others, which together set a powerful example for students across the Nation. ____________________

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGE692 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  5. Active in organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and the National Honor Society, Mr. Austin made a lasting contribution to his school and community. He is also a proud Eagle Scout. Matthew's athletic achievements include being named Boys Tennis Athlete of the Year in Southeast Missouri and receiving the 2025 Bank of Missouri Scholar-Athlete of the Year award. Through his exceptional leadership and individual performance, he earned the role of captain of the Notre Dame Regional tennis team. Through the French Honor Society, Matthew helped raise funds to sponsor a child's education in Haiti. He received the Notre Dame Regional Christian Service Award and the Congressional Award Program Gold Medal after volunteering more than 400 hours with local organizations. Mr.

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGE692 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  6. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E692] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MATTHEW GIBSON AUSTIN ______ HON. JASON SMITH of missouri in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Matthew Gibson Austin of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, an exemplar of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and community service whose work has earned recognition at the local, state, and national levels. With a perfect ACT score and an outstanding academic record, he has been admitted to Northwestern University to continue his studies.

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGE692 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  7. He consistently advocated for veterans, helped them obtain their service benefits, and would often be found placing flags on hundreds of graves each year to honor the legacy of his fellow soldiers. He was a champion for veterans' rights in not only Jefferson City, but also in Washington, D.C., for which he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the VFW. It is my privilege to recognize Mr. Dickinson, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his life and service to our state and country. ____________________

    HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLIE DICKINSON · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  8. Shortly after he graduated high school in 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division in the Vietnam War. Following his service, he returned to Lebanon where he worked at Lowe Boats until his retirement. Mr. Dickinson was a pillar in the Hartville community where he served as a member of the Elk Creek Baptist Church, an avid supporter of Hartville High School sports and academic programs, and an active member of numerous local organizations. He was also a proud third baseman for the community softball team which he joined in the 1970s. Outside of his local community, Mr. Dickinson also dedicated much of his life to serving his fellow veterans through his involvement in organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

    HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLIE DICKINSON · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  9. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E694] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLIE DICKINSON ______ HON. JASON SMITH of missouri in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Charlie Dickinson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and Vietnam War veteran. Mr. Dickinson was born in Lebanon, Missouri, in 1950, but at age thirteen, he moved to his family's dairy farm in Hartville.

    HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLIE DICKINSON · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  10. Austin's commitment to service reflects a rare combination of compassion and humility. On behalf of the 8th Congressional District of Missouri, I commend Matthew Gibson Austin for his pursuit of excellence, his breadth of achievement, and his dedication to others, which together set a powerful example for students across the Nation. ____________________

    HONORING MATTHEW GIBSON AUSTIN · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  11. Active in organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and the National Honor Society, Mr. Austin made a lasting contribution to his school and community. He is also a proud Eagle Scout. Matthew's athletic achievements include being named Boys Tennis Athlete of the Year in Southeast Missouri and receiving the 2025 Bank of Missouri Scholar-Athlete of the Year award. Through his exceptional leadership and individual performance, he earned the role of captain of the Notre Dame Regional tennis team. Through the French Honor Society, Matthew helped raise funds to sponsor a child's education in Haiti. He received the Notre Dame Regional Christian Service Award and the Congressional Award Program Gold Medal after volunteering more than 400 hours with local organizations. Mr.

    HONORING MATTHEW GIBSON AUSTIN · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  12. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E692] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MATTHEW GIBSON AUSTIN ______ HON. JASON SMITH of missouri in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Matthew Gibson Austin of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, an exemplar of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and community service whose work has earned recognition at the local, state, and national levels. With a perfect ACT score and an outstanding academic record, he has been admitted to Northwestern University to continue his studies.

    HONORING MATTHEW GIBSON AUSTIN · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD