Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Rep. Michael G. Fitzpatrick

Mr. Speaker, our hometown hero Francis ``Frannie'' Drummond was born to Mary and Francis Drummond on October 15, 1949. Frannie was one of five children. Locally raised in Langhorne, he attended Our Lady of Grace grade school and went on to graduate from Egan High School in 1967.

Recently graduated and unsettled with his job, a very young Fran decided to enlist before he was drafted into the service. Intending to first join the army with his friend, he switched gears to the Marine Corp after seeing a Marine in his dress blues. Fran served as a Lance Corporal under Fox Company Second B. 7th Marines in South Vietnam during the height of the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam conflict. Unspeakable war time horrors were abated by Fran's undefeated boxing abilities for his company. Days were made a little brighter by mom's daily letters from home.

Fran's homecoming in 1970 darkened by the protestors of the Vietnam War at the airport was further darkened by the death of his father on the night of his return.

Moving ever forward, a determined Fran went on to work for the United Postal Service, a job he would hold for forty years. Fran worked equally as hard to capture the heart of his true love, Audrey Foley. Married in 1972, the soul mates were blessed with 2 children, Frannie and Jennifer, whom they raised on the family land nicknamed ``Drummondville'' where they were fortunate enough to build their own home. Summer vacations then and now are spent enjoying the sunny beaches of Ocean City, only now Fran and Audrey enjoy the company of their grandchildren, Aiden, Morgan, Ashley, Alley and Leighton.

Physically active and fit throughout his adult years, Fran played softball in the mens Lower Bucks league. Fran also proved to be Bucks County's own Jack La Lanne in fitness and weight lifting.

Ever a good Catholic boy, Fran can be found at daily mass at his home parish of Our Lady of Grace thanking God for the blessings of his life. He spends his Sundays as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion delivering to the residents of Langhorne Manor Nursing Home.

A tireless advocate for Veterans and their needs, Fran serves as the Jr. Vice Commander for Disabled Veterans and is a very active member of the American Legion for the Veterans of foreign wars. He personally drives veterans to and from their doctor and hospital appointments, the Veterans Administration building or wherever they may need to go. In addition to taking the Veterans where they need to go, he also lends a hand with their home and auto repairs.

No task is too small or large when it comes to lending a helping hand for this Marine. One particular life changing incident during Fran's tour in Vietnam proved to be an extreme example of Fran's life's motto ``Leave no man behind.''

Huddled in a sandbag bunker somewhere in South Vietnam, Fran and fellow Marines were trying to stay alive and dry during a driving monsoon when the bunker collapsed due to the heavy rain fall. The collapse trapped Fran and his fellow soldiers who quickly became neck deep in mud and rain water. Refusing to give up, Fran crawled forward dragging a fellow soldier to safety. Holding the roof up, reportedly 2 tons of weight, soldiers were able to crawl to safety. Severely injured, unable to walk, knowing one fellow soldier remained in the crushed bunker, Fran crawled to a nearby bunker alerting them of his injured buddy. Helicopters transported the injured Marines to area hospitals never again to see each other. Birdman, Messler and other soldiers are alive today because of Fran Drummond's heroic actions. These men call Fran their savior and know without Fran's help they would not be alive today nor have families of their own. Ever faithful Fran knows that someone more powerful was with him that day, his savior Jesus Christ.

Fran's commitment to America and its citizens is a shining example of what makes this country strong. Raised by his parents, Marines themselves, Frannie has spent his entire life in service to his family and fellow man. He has gone beyond the call of duty serving and protecting us all, indeed making the United States a safer and better place to live.

He is an honorable man, a leader, a marine, and our hero. Semper Fi.