Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Thomas Owen. Thomas is a senior at Jesuit College Preparatory School in Dallas. With his graduation quickly approaching, instead of making the celebration about him, he is organizing a graduation party to benefit Make-A-Wish North Texas.

Thomas serves on the Make-A-Wish Youth Leadership Council, and has brought together a team of students from local North Texas high schools to help support this cause. He is inspiring others to take action and give back to their communities.

I thank Thomas for inspiring his fellow North Texans through his selflessness and leadership. Through the use of his entrepreneurial skills, he is making a difference in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Loann Pham of Richardson. She has been a dedicated volunteer with Feed My Starving Children since 2019. Over the past six years, Loann has contributed to nearly 500 food-packing sessions and organized 900 volunteer groups, playing a key role in engaging the community.

Feed My Starving Children Richardson is a nonprofit committed to providing nutritionally complete meals to starving children in need around the world. Through their efforts, volunteers pack meals in the U.S. and they are distributed to over 70 countries worldwide.

We thank Loann for her commitment to the fight against childhood hunger and her efforts to inspire others to give back. Her passion makes a lasting impact on our North Texas community and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Euless Public Service Officer Russell Carter for his 25 years of dedicated service to North Texas. A proud graduate of Haltom High School, he furthered his education in criminology and criminal justice through coursework at Tarrant County College and Columbia College.

Mr. Carter began his career in warehouse operations and security at Atlantic Air in Richland Hills and Pinkerton Security at the General Motors plant in Arlington. He joined the City of Euless in 2000, where his contributions have earned him multiple recognitions, including the 2006 Civilian of the Year Award and 2011 October Employee of the Month. His commitment to excellence was evident by his role in tactical training exercises and assisting in the development of new jail FTO/ training manual and Bond Procedures manual.

A dedicated member of the Euless Police Officers Association, Mr. Carter also volunteers with a charity BBQ team, participating in competitions, and supporting local causes. In his personal time, he enjoys fishing, hunting, and cherishing moments with his family.

Mr. Carter's professionalism, service, and community involvement made a lasting impact on Euless. I thank him for his contributions to North Texas and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, who is described by others as a giver, leader, mentor, servant, strategist, planner, and doer. It's clear that Dr. Katie Simpson of Southlake goes above and beyond to help and inspire individuals in our community. While her husband served as an Active- Duty fighter pilot. Katie was an Air Force volunteer, establishing a biannual family deployment fair in Ramstein and mentoring other military families during her husband's deployments.

Now, Katie serves North Texans in a variety of ways--as a volunteer team leader at the Texas Ramp Project, Dr. Simpson surveys sites, designs ramps, and leads a volunteer crew in building dozens of wheelchair ramps. Leading three textile ministries, she makes prayer shawls for patients at Texas Oncology, makes blankets and hats for veterans transitioning out of homelessness, works with the Fort Worth VA, and creates fidget quilts/blankets for special needs children and individuals in memory care. Katie also finds time to volunteer with her church and delivers meals weekly with Metroport Meals on Wheels in Southlake.

Katie's tireless service has earned her numerous awards, including the National Daughters of the American Revolution Distinguished

Citizen Medal in 2021, Excellence in Community Service in 2016, Texas Daughters of the American Revolution Outstanding DAR Service to Veterans in 2017, and the Arts Council Northeast Shining Star award for volunteer leadership service to the community.

I thank Dr. Katie Simpson for her unwavering commitment to serving others. Her devotion to our North Texas community is appreciated and continues to inspire those around her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Euless Police Corporal Thomas ``Wade'' Tice, a dedicated public servant who has devoted more than three decades to serving our community. Raised in the rural community of Burleson, Corporal Tice went on to attend Texas A&M University and later Tarrant County Junior College before entering the workforce. After several years in the construction industry, he sought a more fulfilling career, leading him to law enforcement.

In 1989, Corporal Tice began his career in public service as a jailer with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department. Committed to advancing in the field, he attended the night police academy at Tarleton State University while working full-time. His hard work and determination paid off when, in May 1990, he was hired by the Euless Police Department. Corporal Tice served as a field training officer and bicycle patrol officer before being promoted to Corporal in 1993. In 2002, he was assigned to the Tarrant County Regional Auto Theft Task Force before returning to the patrol division, where he still serves today.

Throughout his 34 years in law enforcement, Corporal Tice received over 50 commendations and was honored with the department's Distinguished Service Award. He holds a Master Police Officer license and completed specialized training in areas such as basic bicycle tactics, intermediate accident investigations, mental health peace officer certification, and crisis intervention training. Corporal Tice's proactive approach to law enforcement resulted in numerous felony arrests, and his compassion for victims of crime was evident in every interaction. He consistently went above and beyond the call of duty, ensuring that those in need received the help and support they deserved.

Corporal Tice's service has made a profound difference in the lives of many, and I express my deepest gratitude for his dedication to our community. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement.

Mr Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Heroes, Luke and Jen Huch of Euless. They faced every parent's nightmare when their son, Lion, was diagnosed with leukemia at just seven months old. Lion was given a 47 percent chance of survival and began an intensive chemotherapy journey.

Determined to defy the odds, the Huch family lived in the hospital for the first six months of their fight. Music became a key part of Lion's survival, giving the family a boost in faith and spirits. With instruments like drums, a keyboard, and a guitar, Luke and Jen would write songs and sing with Lion to keep his spirits high. This led to Lion's passion for music, and inspired the Huches to create Free Music, a local nonprofit that provides instruments to children who are battling or recovering from life-threatening illness.

Rooted in their belief that music can provide hope, inspire kids to keep fighting, and bring joy to families, through Free Music, the Huches are providing sick children with a creative outlet and something to focus on other than their medical journey. In their words, these children have incredible perspectives on life, their stories need to be told, and their voices need to be heard through the gift of music.

North Texas is lucky to have Luke and Jen who turned Lion's devastating diagnosis into an opportunity to offer hope and strength to other children and families. I'd like to thank the Huch family for their commitment to spreading joy and hope through music.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Euless Police Sergeant Todd Bellah, whose dedicated service in law enforcement has made a lasting impact on our community and the officers he served alongside.

After graduating from Haltom High School, Sergeant Bellah pursued a degree in criminal justice from Tarleton State University and Tarrant County College. Committed to continuous learning and professional excellence, he earned a Master Peace Officer license and a series of specialized certifications, including Basic-Advanced SWAT, Basic- Advanced Police Sniper, SWAT Instructor, Sniper Instructor, Master TCOLE Instructor, Firearms Instructor-Range Master, and Department Master Armorer. His extensive expertise in tactical operations and instruction has been invaluable to his colleagues and the law enforcement profession.

Before his career in law enforcement, Sergeant Bellah honed his skills in machining, working at George Conover Tool & Manufacturing, Allen Duncan Company, and later Bose Machine Company. In 1991, he answered the call to public service, joining the City of Euless as a Public Service Officer. His leadership earned him steady promotions, becoming a police officer in March 1992 and moving up the ranks to Corporal, Senior Police Corporal, and, ultimately, Sergeant in 2015.

Throughout his tenure, Sergeant Bellah served in a variety of critical roles, including assignments in patrol, the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), and the Auto Theft Task Force. His expertise and leadership were particularly evident during his 23 years with the Euless Tactical Team and the Joint SWAT Team (NETCAST), where he held his final assignment as Assistant Commander. His contributions to these specialized units enhanced the safety and security of both his fellow officers and the community he faithfully served. He has been honored with numerous accolades, including Officer of the Year, the Life-Saving Award, multiple Certificates of Merit, and the prestigious Supervisor of the Year award reflecting his commitment to excellence and his courage in the face of danger.

Sergeant Bellah's career is a testament to the values of integrity and leadership, he will be greatly missed. I congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement, I wish him the best as he embarks on this new journey.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dallas native Nicole Small. She has gone above and beyond to improve our community, dedicating her time to civic leadership through philanthropy and science innovation. As CEO of LH Capital and Lyda Hill Philanthropies (LHP), she's shaping the future of science, technology, and nature Nicole is building a strong biotech hub in North Texas, including through the development and expansion of Pegasus Park.

Through her work at LHP, Nicole co-founded the IF/THEN initiative to encourage women and girls to pursue STEM careers. As part of this, Small is also an Executive Producer of CBS's Mission Unstoppable.

Nicole's leadership at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a further testament to her ability to bring communities together and create a lasting impact. She raised over $200 million to merge three museums into one and led the Perot Museum into a new era of excellence. Most recently, she was honored by Texas Woman's University as the 2025 Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award.

I thank Nicole for her continued dedication to improving our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Euless Police Department Senior Officer Carlos Peralez for his service to our community and country. He proudly served our country in the United States Army for six years, with three years of active duty and three years in the reserves, before joining the Euless Police Department in April 1997.

Officer Peralez has exemplified excellence and leadership throughout his career in law enforcement. He has served in various divisions, including patrol and criminal investigations, held key roles as a crime scene technician, bicycle unit officer, and crisis negotiator for the Euless SWAT team, and served on the North East Tarrant County Area SWAT Team His dedication to public service extends beyond tactical operations--Officer Peralez became a School Resource Officer to build strong relationships between the police and youth in our community. As a neighborhood police officer with the community services division, he works to foster trust in our community through the Euless Police Inspiring Champions (EPIC) program where he and fellow officers visit local elementary schools, joining physical education classes to build connections with students and staff.

Officer Peralez earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Columbia College and holds a Master Peace Officer certification. He has received numerous commendations and accolades, including the prestigious David Hofer Servant Leadership Award and the City Employee of the Month in September 2004 and January 2021. In his free time, Officer Peralez continues to embrace the values of community and family that have defined his career and life, including spending time with his family, enjoying the outdoors, and raising cattle.

As Officer Peralez begins his well-deserved retirement, I thank him for his devoted service to protecting our North Texas community and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Euless Police Department Senior Corporal William ``Bill'' Norwood in recognition of his more than three decades of service to our North Texas community and country.

Corporal Norwood's career in public service began in the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably for six years and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He provided security at American embassies in Ankara, Turkey, and Mexico City, Mexico, and completed a special assignment in West Africa with the U.S. Department of State. Corporal Norwood's military background laid the foundation for a lifetime of leadership and service, and he has used those lessons to make a lasting impact on his colleagues and citizens across North Texas.

In June 1991, Norwood joined the Euless Police Department and quickly rose through the ranks, achieving Corporal in July 1995 and Senior Corporal in January 2015. Throughout his career, he took on roles in the bicycle patrol, criminal investigations, the narcotics task force, and as a field training officer. Corporal Norwood also served with distinction on the Northeast Tarrant County Area SWAT Team (NETCAST) as a sniper and an entry team operator. In his current role, he works as a first-line supervisor in the criminal investigation division, where his leadership and expertise continue to inspire those around him.

Corporal Norwood pursued extensive training, specializing in Identity Kit System of Facial Identification, Raid Planning & High-Risk Warrant Preparation, the Texas Narcotic Control Program, and Basic Instruction. He holds a Master Peace Officer certification and is a TCOLE-certified firearms instructor, showcasing his commitment to professional development and public safety. Norwood has been recognized on multiple occasions, including a commendation by the U.S. Marshals Service Office in 1991 for assisting in the apprehension of a federal fugitive, recognition as Employee of the Month in July 1995 and April 2013, and achieving the Distinguished Service of the Year (Sworn) Award in 2012. As a proud member of the Euless Police Department Honor Guard, Bill has always represented his department with dignity and pride.

Beyond his professional achievements, Corporal Norwood is a devoted family man who enjoys spending time with loved ones and is an avid outdoorsman. As he begins his well-deserved retirement, I thank him for his decades of service to our community and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Corporal Donald ``Don'' Graves, a Fort Worth resident and distinguished World War II veteran. Graves left high school in 1942 at just 17 years old to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps, inspired by his father's service. He served as a flamethrower in the Second Battalion of the 28th Marine Regiment of Iwo Jima.

Of the 335 Marines that landed on the island, only 18, including Graves, made it off. His strength and courage were displayed as he survived the intense, three-day long battle, climbing toward the top of Mount Suribachi. On the third day, Graves and his fellow Marines climbed to the summit before reaching the top and raising the U.S. flag.

Graves served for four years, leaving the service for civilian life after the war ended It was in the heat of battle for Iwo Jima that he discovered his faith, leading him to serve in the ministry for 32 years.

As Graves celebrates his 100th birthday later this year, we honor his incredible journey I thank Corporal Graves for his service and the lasting impact he has made on our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Wayne Pavlik from the Euless Police Department on his 36 years of service to North Texas. Captain Pavlik began his public safety career at Sears Department Store, where he monitored security cameras and handled fraudulent checks before joining the Euless Police Department in 1989. He quickly rose through the ranks--promoted to Corporal in 1993, Sergeant in 1997, Lieutenant in 2004, and Captain in 2022.

His time with the Euless Police Department is both vast and varied, serving as a tactical team member, bike officer, and field training officer, commanding the patrol and criminal investigations divisions, supervising the Traffic and the Citizens Police Academy, and consistently demonstrating his expertise across all areas of law enforcement. In his role as Captain, he oversees critical jail operations and records, as well as 9-1-1 communications.

Captain Pavlik received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he was a Division I Collegiate basketball player, and his master's degree from the University of North Texas. He also graduated from the HEB Chamber of Commerce's Leadership HEB and the 41st Management College at the Institute of Law Enforcement Administration. Pavlik's education has been the foundation for his role as a Master Peace Officer and his status as a highly respected leader in law enforcement. He has received numerous commendations, including Supervisor of the Year in 2006 and the Certificate of Merit Award in 2003, while remaining active in fundraising for the Special Olympics and YMCA youth basketball.

I thank Captain Pavlik for his dedication to protecting and serving our North Texas community. I congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Leonardo Mendoza, a distinguished law enforcement professional and United States Air Force veteran, for his decades of service to our community and our Nation. With over 23 years of dedicated service in immigration enforcement, operations leadership, and national security, Mr. Mendoza has been an integral part of protecting our country through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Mr. Mendoza developed a foundation in discipline, leadership, and mission execution early on, serving six years in the United States Air Force before joining ICE. In his current role as a Detention and Deportation Officer, he leads the development and execution of national training programs at ICE's Enforcement

and Removal Operations (ERO) Academy. Throughout his career, he spearheaded the creation of a nationally standardized On-the-Job Training Program enhancing field training effectiveness, designed and implemented a national Train-the-Trainer program aligned with strategic objectives of the Warrant Service Officer Program, and supervised the Criminal Alien Program (CAP) team increasing arrest efficiency and enforcement actions against high-priority targets. Additionally, he played an instrumental role in securing a search warrant in collaboration with an Assistant U.S. Attorney that led to the seizure of heroin and firearms from an aggravated felon.

Mr. Mendoza's leadership played a crucial role in developing collaborations between Department of Homeland Security leadership, field operations, and private sector partners. His work has improved our national security and operational readiness within ICE. Beyond his technical and strategic contributions, Mr. Mendoza has served as a dedicated mentor, guiding the next generation of law enforcement professionals toward excellence.

Leonardo Mendoza's long career has made our country safer and our law enforcement professionals stronger I thank Mr. Mendoza for his distinguished service to the United States, and congratulate him on his well-earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, 17-year-old Thomas Paskvan from Southlake. Thomas achieved remarkable success in the world of fiddling, securing another first- place victory at the 2025 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Fiddle Showdown. He began his musical journey at the age of three with the violin, switching to the fiddle 10 years ago and immersing himself in the vibrant world of country tunes. His dedication paid off when he took home a $2,500 scholarship, a coveted belt buckle, and an invitation to a one-day master class at the Texas Fiddle Clinic.

The competition offers a platform for young fiddlers to showcase their talents while keeping the tradition of Texas fiddling alive. Contestants are required to prepare a mix of fast-paced breakdowns, waltzes, and a tune of their choosing, demonstrating their versatility and musical prowess.

Beyond his accolades, Thomas finds value in the camaraderie and relaxed atmosphere of the competition that allows contestants to connect and enjoy the experience together. This sense of community, alongside his musical achievements, highlights his talent and appreciation for the people and traditions that shaped his journey in the world of music.

I congratulate Thomas on his victory. I thank him for inspiring young musicians not only across our community, but the entire Lone Star State.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Joe DePinto. Joe has made a profound impact on North Texas through his leadership in business and community service. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, his career has been guided by his early lessons of discipline, strategy, and teamwork.

After serving as an officer in the U.S. Army's Field Artillery branch, Joe transitioned to the corporate world. As the CEO of Irving- based 7-Eleven, he led the company to achieve unprecedented growth and modernization, driving job creation and economic development in North Texas.

Beyond his corporate success, Joe has been a strong and consistent advocate for America's military families, veterans, and education. His leadership talents aren't limited to corporate boardrooms--Joe has held key roles with organizations like the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund and the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, working to improve the lives of many. In recognition of his selfless personal sacrifices and unwavering commitment to supporting our military and veterans, Joe recently received the Sam Johnson Defender of Freedom Award.

Joe's contributions reflect the values of service and leadership that make our North Texas community so special. Whether through corporate initiatives or personal advocacy, Joe continues to set an example of how business leaders can drive positive change.