Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science senior, Anirudh Mazumder. Anirudh's desire to serve others began in childhood, inspired by summers spent with his grandparents, where he learned the power of community involvement. This early influence motivated him to work toward unlocking the potential of our North Texas community, including through participating in our Congressional Youth Advisory Council.

After witnessing a family member's struggle to find a kidney donor, Anirudh co-founded KidneyChain LLC to address the inefficiencies in organ matching, aiming to save lives by preventing organ waste, and he currently serves on the National Kidney Association's Advisory Committee. Anirudh later participated in the Colleyville Chamber of Commerce's Youth Leadership Program, where he noticed a decline in youth volunteerism, prompting him to launch his ``Rise and Serve'' initiative that has engaged nearly 100 young North Texans. To help build excitement and interest in public service, Anirudh created a website and podcast series featuring local leaders to showcase service opportunities and highlight success stories.

I thank Anirudh for his dedication to engaging North Texans in public service. Our community's future looks brighter than ever thanks to young leaders like him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Dr. Ramesh Sharma of Fort Worth. At 85 years old, Dr. Sharma is a shining example that age is merely a number. Raised in India, he earned his degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology before joining the civilian Indian naval forces. He completed several years of service before immigrating to the U.S. and settling in Fort Worth in 1986. Working as a stress engineer at various nuclear power plants, Dr. Sharma was driven by a desire to provide his children with the best educational opportunities.

Upon retirement, he set his sights on his next goal: continuing his education. In 2014, he completed his master's degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington. Taking classes one by one over the next decade, he earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics, an incredible feat he attributes to the unwavering support of his family and professors. At his graduation, a touching moment unfolded as his son, who also earned his doctorate, assisted him in donning his graduation robes. Dr. Sharma aims to mentor students and give back to our community.

Dr. Sharma's determination in the pursuit of knowledge is an inspiration to North Texans and I congratulate him on his incredible achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, St. Ann Magi Ministry in Coppell. More than 30 years ago, St. Ann Catholic Parish began its Magi Ministry, giving 100 gifts to those who would have otherwise gone without. Over the years, the ministry has grown to be one of the most important parts of the parish's Christmas season. More than 3,400 children, seniors, seminarians, and families received Christmas gifts this year thanks to the generosity of parishioners.

Beginning the weekend before Thanksgiving, parish members can choose an ornament from a tree around the church. Each ornament contains a gift request from a child in the St. Ann community, residents of Hillcrest and Ewing Houses, as well as children from Blessed Sacrament. The volunteers at Magi Ministry collect, sort, and wrap the gifts before individually delivering them to their recipients.

My heartfelt thanks go out to St. Ann volunteers for spreading Christmas love and cheer throughout our community. They are a shining example of what makes North Texas great.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Communities in Schools Dallas Region. A local nonprofit founded in 1985, Communities in Schools supports North Texas children on the Texas Education Agency's ``at-risk'' list through academic and mental health intervention as well as social services. The organization is working to improve outcomes for K-12 children in school and at home by removing barriers to success.

As the winter weather moved into North Texas, CIS Dallas began their annual Holiday Drive to keep students warm, healthy, and ready to learn. With the help of community members, the organization collected coats, gloves, blankets, hygiene products, and other essentials to deliver directly to students in need. In 2024, the nonprofit was able to assist 10,000 North Texas students.

I thank Communities in Schools of the Dallas Region for going above and beyond to support at-risk students in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County. Since 1973, the organization has been helping some of North Texas' most vulnerable citizens. By providing home-delivered meals, professional case management, and other necessary services or items, the organization helps homebound, elderly, and disabled individuals to remain living independently. In addition to delivering over 1 million meals each year, the organization holds an annual Silver Santa Campaign to help spread holiday cheer.

The holiday initiative involves collecting and distributing gifts to the citizens they serve daily. Committed case managers compile wish lists from Tarrant County's most vulnerable and isolated residents. With the help of community donations and volunteers, they strive to fulfill these wishes, personally delivering gifts to recipients' homes. This year, 800 homebound individuals were ``adopted'' and received special surprises to brighten their holiday season.

I'm grateful to Wheels on Meals of Tarrant County for their year- round work and going the extra mile during the holiday season to bring cheer and comfort to members of our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Blake Lindsay who worked for Envision Dallas. Blake was an inspiration to all who knew him, embracing his visual impairment and using it to advocate for others. An Envision Employee of the Year, National Industries for the Blind Public Policy Ambassador, and friend to everyone, Blake impacted thousands of people with his incredible energy, passion, and positivity. His zest for life was unmatched.

For 15 years, he served North Texans in managerial roles at Envision Dallas, an organization providing opportunities and assistance to visually impaired individuals. His colleagues appreciated his love for people, ability to light up any room, and deep commitment to helping others. Among Blake's remarkable achievements, he has DJed at top 40 stations for 22 years, known as Blazin' Blake Lindsay, and authored three books to promote awareness and education about the visually impaired community.

Blake led a life of integrity, inspiring others to achieve their dreams. His passion and joy leave a lasting legacy in every life he touched.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize North Richland Hills Police Department Chief Mike Young for his 40 years of dedicated public service and to congratulate him on his retirement. Chief Young joined the North Richland Hills Police Department in 1985 after serving four years in the United States Air Force.

He distinguished himself as a leader soon after joining the department serving as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Assistant Chief from 1997 to 2013. His exemplary service led to his promotion of Chief of Police in 2023, a role he led with integrity and professionalism. Throughout his career, Chief Young has guided and influenced multiple divisions within the department, including patrol, traffic, SWAT, criminal investigations, training, communications, and budget management. His focus on officer development and continuing education has strengthened the department, ensuring that those who serve are equipped with the highest level of training and expertise. Chief Young has received numerous awards for his service including the department's highest honor in 1989, the Medal of Honor.

Chief Young's leadership has shaped the North Richland Hills Police Department into the highly respected organization it is known as today. His commitment to public service has left an indelible mark on North Richland Hills and beyond, and I wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the Citizens of the Twenty-Fourth District of Texas, the 2024 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Shawn Morgan, Staff Sergeant, United States Army, of Keller, Texas for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Mr. Morgan enlisted in the United States Army in 2004, serving as an infantryman and a drill sergeant, deploying three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On May 30, 2007, he was wounded in action after being shot by a sniper during an ambush on his patrol in Tarmiyah, Iraq. After recovering from his injuries, he rejoined his platoon to complete their 15-month deployment. He later was responsible for the training of over 1,500 soldiers as a drill sergeant before leaving the service in 2014.

Mr. Morgan's decorations include the Purple Heart, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Two Campaign Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), the Army Achievement Medal (5th Award), the Meritorious Unit Commendation (2nd Award), the Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), the National Defense Service Medal, the Global Warrior Terrorism Service Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2nd Award), the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge.

His dedication to service does not stop with his time in the military. He currently serves as a full-time advocate for veterans with the Wounded Warrior Project where he has been instrumental in helping thousands of veterans connect with resources, their community, and organizations nationwide. He also serves as a soccer coach with i9 Sports Youth Soccer.

Mr. Morgan's service is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retiring Euless City Manager Loretta Getchell for her exceptional 28 years of service to North Texas.

Loretta graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration later becoming a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Government Finance Officer. She began her career with the City of Euless in 1997 as the Director of Finance. She quickly moved through the ranks, becoming Assistant City Manager in 2004 and Deputy City Manager in 2007. As a result of her leadership, she was promoted to her current role of City Manager in 2015. While serving in this position, Loretta has been an integral force in the development and success of the Euless community. Her leadership has helped shape city policies, strengthen financial sustainability, and improve municipal services. Her commitment to excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 Linda Keithley Award for Women in Public Management and the 2017 David Hofer Servant Leadership Award.

Beyond her professional achievements, Loretta has remained engaged in professional organizations, contributing her expertise to the Government Finance Officers Association of Texas, the Texas Society of CPAs, the American Institute of CPAs, the Texas City Manager's Association, and the North Texas City Managers Association. Her dedication to mentorship and professional development has left a lasting impact on the public administration field.

I thank Loretta for her service to the City of Euless, and congratulate her on her well-earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Southlake Police Chief Ashleigh Casey. Chief Casey began her law enforcement career as a 9-1-1 operator and Police & Fire Dispatcher for the City of Euless, joining the police force just three years later. Following her time with Euless Police Department, she spent two years with DFW Airport's Department of Public Safety before joining the Southlake Police Department in 2000. In 2015, she was appointed Assistant Chief of Police where her strategic vision and leadership helped guide the department towards continuous improvement. In June, she made history by becoming the first female Chief of Police of the Southlake Police Department.

Chief Casey's management of an $11.5 million budget and oversight of police technology projects kept the department at the forefront of innovation and operational efficiency. Her thoughtful leadership helped the department achieve the highest levels of performance excellence and maintain its status as a top law enforcement agency, recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies with Gold Standard accreditation. Her team has benefited from her focus on employee well-being and professional development. As a leader, Chief Casey has been crucial in enhancing public trust and cooperation with law enforcement through public engagement and school safety programs.

In addition to obtaining a Master Peace Officer Certification, Chief Casey has completed the Police Executive Research Forum's Senior Management Institute for Police, FBI National Academy, and School of Executive Leadership at the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration.

I congratulate Chief Casey on her well-deserved appointment to lead Southlake's police force after 27 years serving and protecting North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Chiaka

Ogbogu, a star athlete from Coppell. As one of only twelve players nationwide named by USA Volleyball to compete on the U.S. Women's National Team in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Chiaka has shined on the world stage.

Her stardom is nothing short of remarkable, making her Olympic debut at the Tokyo Summer Games in 2021 where she played a key role in securing the team's historic gold medal. Chiaka's experience competing worldwide, including in Italy, Poland, and Turkey, has established her as a leader on the team.

Before embarking on her professional volleyball career, Chiaka was a student athlete at Coppell High School and at the University of Texas at Austin. While in college, she graduated with the most blocks in school history. Despite her success, Chiaka has a humble attitude.

I thank Chiaka for continuing to set a great example for North Texans of all ages as she makes our entire country proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Heroes, the volunteers of Operation Turkey Dallas and Operation Turkey Forth Worth for their work to provide Thanksgiving meals to people in need.

After Richard Bagdonas gave his Thanksgiving leftovers to a homeless man in Austin, he was inspired to launch Operation Turkey, which expanded to our community in 2012. North Texas answered the call to serve, with local volunteers providing thousands of warm meals per year.

Their work begins well before this, but on the day before Thanksgiving, volunteers gather for a Turkey Tailgate to smoke turkeys, sort toiletry and clothing donations, and prepare for an early start. The morning of, helpers of all ages set up, cook, plate, package, and deliver meals and other items to North Texans in need. In 2023, Operations Turkey Dallas and Fort Worth provided a combined 5,400 meals to members of our community.

I thank the volunteers of Operation Turkey for ensuring North Texans have a hot meal on Thanksgiving. Their work exemplifies the generosity that makes our community special.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Wally Funk. At age nine, Wally Funk took her first flying lesson, sparking a lifelong passion. As a teenager, Wally earned her pilot's license and has gone on to become an accomplished flight instructor and aviator. Wally joined Oklahoma State University's Aviation Team, earning countless awards including the ``Outstanding Female Pilot'' trophy, ``Flying Aggie Top Pilot'' award, and ``Alfred Alder Memorial Trophy'' two years in a row.

In 1961, Wally volunteered for the Women in Space Program, enduring the same strenuous physical and mental tests as the men of Mercury 7. After ranking third out of the 13 who graduated, beating out U.S. Astronaut John Glenn on many of the tests, Mercury 13 was denied the opportunity to travel to space. Decades later, at the age of 82, Wally became the oldest woman to venture into space on Blue Origin's New Shepard suborbital spacecraft. She was recently inducted into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, symbolizing the remaikable career of Grapevine's very own aviator-turned-astronaut.

Wally's perseverance has inspired many North Texans. I Congratulate Wally on her deserved induction to the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame. I look forward to hearing about more of her accomplishments in the near future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Heroes on the Founders Rowing Club in Southlake, who gained national recognition by finishing in the top 10 at the U.S. Youth National Championship. This incredible achievement follows their earlier triumph as regional champions.

Despite being one of the smallest teams in the nation, the group of thirteen daring young women have remained undeterred, inspiring many others to dream big. The team worked year-round to reach this point, often completing double workouts. From practicing at Bachman Lake six days a week, rain-or-shine, to being involved in the North Texas community out of the water, the members of Founders Rowing Club are true all-rounders whose dedication will take them far.

Local SMU alum, Matthew Naifeh, serves as their coach and has been instrumental in the

team's upward trajectory. Matthew learned to row at the Episcopal School of Dallas and has continuously pushed the team to realize their limitless potential, serving as an example of the many dreams that can come true in Texas' 24th Congressional District.

Congratulations to the Founders Rowing Club on all then success. I look forward to continuing to cheer these women on.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Senior Police Officer Casey Sanders of the Euless Police Department for his 33 years of exceptional service to our community.

A graduate of Paschal High School in Fort Worth, Officer Sanders continued his education at Tarrant County College before serving as a Sergeant in the Texas Army National Guard for seven years. In 1992, he began his law enforcement career, graduating as salutatorian of his police academy class. Throughout his career with the Euless Police Department, Officer Sanders has taken on a variety of important roles, including Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, Crisis Negotiator Team Leader, Critical Incident Stress Management team member, Peer Support team member, and Mental Health Officer in the HEB Behavioral Intervention Unit. He has also been an advocate for his fellow Guardsmen through his work with the National Guard Association of Texas.

Officer Sanders has received numerous awards during his time with the Euless Police Department, including Rookie of the Year, Certificate of Merit, and Certificate of Civic Achievement. He has also been honored with the Outstanding Service Award by the Euless Fire Department.

North Texas is safer thanks to Officer Sanders' decades of service. On behalf of a grateful community, I extend my deepest congratulations to Officer Sanders on his well-deserved retirement.