Beth Van Duyne

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th District of Texas, the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Sergeant First Class Angelo Winfield, United States Army, of Hurst, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Sergeant First Class Winfield served honorably in the United States Army and Army Reserve for more than twenty-two years, from 1981 to 2003. Rising through the enlisted ranks, he held leadership positions in medical administration, operational readiness, training, and personnel support. His assignments included the 351st Surgical Hospital, the 877th Quartermaster Company, and overseas service in El Salvador. He also assumed responsibilities in unit mobilization, safety, and family readiness, demonstrating versatility and dedication to his fellow soldiers.

At the 351st Surgical Hospital, Sergeant First Class Winfield earned recognition for improving patient administration, strengthening readiness, and contributing to outstanding command inspection results. His decorations include multiple Army Achievement Medals, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, and the Army Overseas Service Ribbon, alongside numerous commendations. He also received recognition for his volunteer support of soldiers and families through the Family Readiness Group.

Following retirement, Sergeant First Class Winfield continued serving others as an information technology consultant and business owner, donating networking equipment to local nonprofits. He served on a homeless shelter's executive board, volunteered as a Big Brother mentor, and welcomed children into his home as a foster parent. He also coached YMCA basketball, supported Scouting, mentored high school students, and helped secure a playground grant for a charter school, where he assisted with construction.

His dedication continues through longtime volunteer service at Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County, where he serves meals and supports individuals experiencing homelessness. As a church elder, he also provides leadership and mentorship through his church's men's ministry. His compassion and willingness to serve continue to strengthen families and communities across North Texas.

Sergeant First Class Winfield's honorable military service and lifelong commitment to supporting fellow service members, strengthening families, and uplifting those in need reflect the highest traditions of the United States Army and bring great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th District of Texas, the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Lieutenant Commander Mark Sandlin, United States Navy, of Bedford, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Lieutenant Commander Sandlin served with distinction in the United States Navy from 1982 to 1998 as a Naval Flight Officer and F-14 Tomcat Radar Intercept Officer. He accumulated more than 1,600 flight hours, including 110 in combat, and completed 330 carrier landings, including 136 at night. During combat operations in the Arabian Gulf, he led the planning, training, and execution of tactical strikes involving twenty aircraft. His leadership in twenty-eight combat missions earned him the Air Medal. His decorations also include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, and the Navy Achievement Medal.

As Director of Combat Search and Rescue Training, Lieutenant Commander Sandlin authored the Navy's first updated tactical doctrine in fifteen years and personally trained more than 3,000 Naval Aviators and SEALs. Aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, he oversaw training for approximately 5,700 personnel and helped coordinate the evacuation of approximately 5,000 civilians following the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines. He later served as Deputy Planning Chief at U.S. Strategic Command, contributing to national defense planning.

Following retirement, Lieutenant Commander Sandlin continued his dedication to education and mentorship, having taught more than 20,000 students across his military and civilian careers. From 2013 to 2017, he volunteered more than 1,700 hours at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, developing educational programs, training volunteers, and co-chairing its Education Committee. His contributions earned the Library's Distinguished Service Award, its highest honor. After earning a STEM Master of Business Administration from Texas Tech University in 2017 as the top graduate in his cohort, he continued mentoring undergraduate and graduate students at Texas Tech and Rice University.

Lieutenant Commander Sandlin's distinguished military career, courageous combat service, and enduring commitment to education and mentorship reflect the highest traditions of the United States Navy and bring great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th District of Texas, the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Major Richard Jones, United States Air Force, of Grapevine, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Major Jones served with distinction in the United States Air Force for twenty years, beginning as an enlisted Airman before earning his commission and becoming a military aviator. He accumulated approximately 10,000 flight hours and served as an Operations Officer with the 1605th Air Base Wing under Military Airlift Command. His decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster. He retired as a Major in 1972.

Following his retirement, Major Jones devoted decades to civic leadership and volunteerism in Grapevine. He served on the Executive Board of the Grapevine Chamber of

Commerce, worked as a Chamber Ambassador, and graduated from Leadership Grapevine. Alongside his wife, Paula, he volunteered at city festivals, including co-chairing the 2010 Grapevine Main Street Days Festival. As an original member of the Grapevine Wine Pouring Society, he also helped promote the Texas wine industry through community events.

A longtime member and Paul Harris Fellow of the Grapevine Rotary Club, Major Jones has supported civic initiatives and international fellowship. As an original member of Grapevine's Sister Cities program, he fostered relationships with communities in Mexico and Austria. He also served for years as a volunteer docent at the Grapevine History Museum and, alongside Paula, was named a Lifetime Member of the Grapevine Historical Society in 2024.

Major Jones has continued supporting the military community through the Military Officers Association of America and the Order of Daedalians, where he served as Scholarship Chairman for at least five years, recognizing local high school ROTC students. His decades of service have strengthened Grapevine and inspired his family to follow his example.

Major Jones's distinguished military career and lifelong dedication to his community, fellow veterans, and future generations reflect the highest traditions of the United States Air Force and bring great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.