The publication is reproduced in full below:
REMEMBERING RICHARD ADAM STROMBRES
______
HON. JOE WILSON
of south carolina
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I would like to include in the Record the following obituary for Richard Adam Stombres.
Richard Adam Stombres
September 24, 1936-June 19, 2021
It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Richard A. Stombres passed away at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona on June 19, 2021. He was born on September 24, 1936 in Aurora, Illinois to Adam H. Stombres and Frances May Jeffers Stombres.
The Stombres family, including Richard and his younger brother Don, moved from Illinois to Phoenix in 1946. His youngest brother Glenn and his sister Patrice were both born in Phoenix. Richard graduated from West High School in 1954. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, Arizona State University, and Boston University where he earned a Bachelor's and a Master's degree. While he would live in many places throughout his life, he always considered Arizona to be his home.
Richard joined the Army in 1961 and faithfully served his country for 28 years as an Infantry Officer. He was a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, the Ranger School, the Airborne Course, the Pathfinder Course, the Marine Amphibious Warfare School, and the Command and General Staff College.
Lieutenant Stombres was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky when he met Vickie M. Hayes from Clarksville, Tennessee. They were married at Fort Campbell in 1961. Lieutenant Stombres was sent to Vietnam in 1963 where he served as a Military Advisor to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam until July of 1964 when he was wounded in action. He would go on to serve a second tour in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 where he was attached to the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV).
Upon his return from Vietnam, Richard was stationed at numerous bases around the world including Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Ord, California; Frankfurt, Germany; the Pentagon; and AFCENT HQ in Brunssum, the Netherlands. Dick and Vickie's two boys, Richard and Steven were born in 1969 and 1970 when then-Major Stombres was serving in the Army's Old Guard and stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia.
Richard was the recipient of the Bronze Star medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal with 5 Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, the Ranger Tab, the Airborne Badge, and numerous other ribbons and decorations.
Richard married Joan Giambruno of Glen Cove, New York in March of 1984. After retiring from the Army, Richard was able to work in the furniture business with his brother Don. He also indulged the other passion of his life, teaching. He and Joan lived in West Hartford Connecticut; Seal Beach, California; Havre-de-Grace, Maryland, and Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Richard eventually returned home to Arizona. In 2012, Richard married Nancy Huemoeller of Lanesboro, Pennsylvania who described him as ``The Best Husband in the World.'' They lived in Mesa, Arizona where they were active members of the Central Christian Church of Arizona. Richard and Nancy loved to go dancing, travel, and visit family.
Richard was preceded in death by his father Adam, his mother Frances, his brother Glenn, and his wife Nancy.
Richard is survived by his son Richard, Jr. (Heather) Stombres of Fairfax, Virginia; his son Steven (Kristen) Stombres of Fairfax, Virginia; his brother Donald (Grace) Stombres of Scottsdale, Arizona; his sister Patrice Babcock of Moorpark, California, and his grandchildren Katherine Stombres, Elaine Stombres, Abigail Stombres, Samuel Stombres, and James Stombres of Fairfax, Virginia.
Richard lived a long and wonderful life full of love and laughter. He was a devout Christian, faithful servant to his country, a loving husband, a caring brother, and wonderful father. We will miss you every day.
Condolences may be left on Richard A. Stombres online guest book at www.sonoranskiesmortuaryaz.com.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 114
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