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HR 134

Commending Justin D. Lynchard.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Zehr

Ceremonial Virginia resolution commends Justin D. Lynchard for military service and inspirational recovery from traumatic brain injury, noting an honorary sergeant promotion.

Bill text as passed House (HR134ER)
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Bill Summary · HR 134

Summary of Virginia House Joint Resolution HR 134 (2026 Session)

Overview

  • Bill type: House Resolution (HR)
  • Number: HR 134
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Virginia
  • Introduced: February 18, 2026
  • Sponsor: Representative Zehr (with Co-sponsor Eric Zehr listed)
  • Status: Passed the House (as of March 3, 2026) and text was “passed House” (HR134ER) on April 16, 2026. Resolution is a ceremonial/commendatory measure.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary purpose of HR 134 is to publicly commend an individual, Justin D. Lynchard, for his service and courageous recovery.
  • The resolution recognizes Lynchard’s military service, his status as a retired member of the United States Army, and his inspirational recovery from a traumatic brain injury.
  • It notes an honorary promotion to sergeant in the United States Army by the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services and the U.S. Secretary of the Army in 2026.

Key Provisions

  • The resolution provides formal commendation from the Virginia House of Delegates.
  • It provides a narrative of Lynchard’s service as a sniper in the 101st Airborne Division and the injuries he sustained in September 2022 during a pre-deployment exercise (vehicle strike).
  • It details Lynchard’s medical journey, including:
    • Resuscitation events (twice by emergency medical personnel)
    • Injuries: multiple open fractures, a stroke, severe traumatic brain injury
    • 17 days in a coma, two months in an ICU
    • Rehabilitation at the Tampa Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center for four months
  • It highlights Lynchard’s commitment to recovery, the resettlement in the Commonwealth of Virginia to be near family, and his ongoing work to regain cognitive abilities.
  • The resolution concludes by instructing the Clerk of the House to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Lynchard as an expression of admiration and honor.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Individual: Justin D. Lynchard
    • Recognized for military service, leadership, and inspirational recovery from a traumatic brain injury.
    • Receives an honorary military promotion acknowledgement by the state legislature (through the resolution) and a formal copy presented by the Clerk.
  • Institutions/Entities Mentioned:
    • United States Army (active and honorary promotion context)
    • United States House Committee on Armed Services
    • United States Secretary of the Army
    • Tampa Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center (medical facility referenced in Lynchard’s recovery, located in Florida)
  • General Public/Constituents: The resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment intended to inspire and recognize perseverance, resilience, and service.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and consideration:
    • Introduced February 18, 2026
    • Presented and laid on Speaker’s table
  • House actions:
    • February 23, 2026: Bill considered for the day (with a scheduling note)
    • March 3, 2026: Engrossed and agreed to by the House by voice vote; taken up for immediate consideration
    • March 3, 2026: Passed the House by voice vote
    • April 16, 2026: Ferreted status shows the text as “passed House (HR134ER)” indicating final House action
  • Nature of action: As a resolution, it is ceremonial and does not create new law or fiscal obligations. It serves to formally commend an individual and provide a copy of the resolution for presentation.

Summary

HR 134 is a ceremonial Virginia House resolution commending Justin D. Lynchard for his military service, his battle back from a traumatic brain injury, and his inspirational recovery. It notes an honorary promotion to sergeant conferred by U.S. Army officials and calls for the Clerk to present a copy of the resolution to Lynchard. The bill is non-fiscal, non-binding in regulatory effect, and serves primarily to honor an individual and highlight resilience and service.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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