Brian Jones: “1 year ago yesterday, on December 6, 2019, a terrorist attack on the Naval Air Station Pensacola killed three American…”

“1 year ago yesterday, on December 6, 2019, a terrorist attack on the Naval Air Station Pensacola killed three American servicemen. While it is appropriate and it has been done to honor each of these men, I rise today with a solemn purpose of honoring and commemorating the life, service, and patriotism of one in particular: Navy ENS Joshua Kaleb Watson of Enterprise, AL, whose promising life and career were tragically cut short in the terrorist attack a year and 1 day ago yesterday. Kaleb was posthumously honored last Friday, receiving the Purple Heart in a ceremony in Pensacola. I really regret that I could not go and that I was unable to join his family, but there was also a wreath- laying ceremony at Building 633 where Kaleb was shot and a candlelight vigil there last night. I know that all were solemn occasions for the Navy, for the family, and for America. Kaleb was a rising star. A recent graduate of the Naval Academy, Kaleb had dreamed of becoming a Navy pilot and had reported to Pensacola for flight training the week of Veterans Day. Kaleb was described as a natural leader, a person who put others first and strived to bring out the best in them. At the Naval Academy, Kaleb was a small arms instructor, wrestling coach, and captain of the rifle team. In fact, under his leadership, much to the chagrin of a couple folks in this body, like Senator Reed, the Academy's rifle team beat Army for the first time in a decade.…”