Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Dr. Richard Benson, president of The University of Texas at Dallas. In 1980, Dr. Benson began his career in higher education as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Rochester. He quickly progressed, serving as the dean for graduate studies in the College of Engineering and Applied Science and the chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. After, he spent 10 years heading the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at Penn State, as well as 11 years as dean of Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. In 2016, Dr. Benson became the fifth president of The University of Texas at Dallas and has spent the past eight years overseeing monumental campus and academic growth.

His tenure at UT Dallas has seen the construction of two million square feet of new buildings, including the Callier Center for Communication Disorders, Engineering and Computer Science West, Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center, Brain Performance Institute, and two new student housing complexes. Additionally, Dr. Benson has elevated the university's innovative research by expanding its partnership with UT Southwestern Medical Center and opening a 150,000 square foot Texas Instruments Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Building. Under his leadership, UT Dallas has experienced record enrollments, expanded its sports program, and has been recognized as a top value college by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, and Forbes, enhancing the university's reputation as an educational powerhouse in North Texas.

I thank Dr. Benson for consistently leading with integrity and passion during his more than four decades of guiding and inspiring young minds.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero and Bedford resident, Bill Robertson. Now 100 years old, he has spent decades serving our community and country.

After a year at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Bill enlisted in the Army Air Force and flew P-51 fighters during World War II. He returned to North Texas after the war, working for Southwestern Engraving Company before teaming up with his father to found Process Engraving Company in Fort Worth. After a successful career, Bill retired in 1996 and handed the reins of his family-run business to his son. Named ``Optimist of the Year'' in 1988 by the Breakfast Optimist Club of East Fort Worth, Bill has helped feed, educate, and serve Tarrant County residents for 26 years. A man of deep faith, he is also a member of Woodland Heights Baptist Church.

I thank Mr. Robertson for his heart of service and positive vision, as I join the many North Texans wishing him a happy 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Tina Washington. As director of the Fort Worth non-profit Above the Clouds-Texas, Tina is making a remarkable impact by providing free arts education to North Texas children aged 5-17. Her organization is dedicated to supporting financially insecure families through classes like classical ballet, hip-hop and drama, along with the requisite equipment, like ballet shoes and tutus.

Tina and her team at Above the Clouds-Texas, are helping to instill self-discipline, self-control, and higher self-esteem in our youth. The mentorship and growth opportunities help steer young North Texans away from negative influences, empowering them to dream big and work hard to achieve goals.

I commend Tina's steadfast dedication to uplifting families by enriching the lives of North Texas children through the creative arts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Heroes, Southlake Officers Brett Roberson and Corey Rattan who have gone above and beyond to serve North Texas students. As first responders, the selfless duo from Carroll ISD have embodied the spirit of North Texas' School Resource Officer (SRO) community through

their dedication to ensuring safe school environments.

The Southlake Kiwanis presented the officers with the distinguished Heart of Service Award in recognition of their efforts to improving the lives of children. After receiving nominations from community members, the Southlake Kiwanis also recognized Officer Roberson of Carroll Middle School as 2023 SRO of the Year and Officer Rattan of Carroll Senior High School as 2024 SRO of the Year.

The Carroll Middle School administration did not fall short in praising Officer Roberson for her profound impact on the school community, highlighting her support on all ends, spanning personal and emergency needs. In the same spirit, Carroll Senior High School principal Christina Benhoff applauded Officer Rattan as a jack of all trades who serves not only as a mentor but also as a friend and role model to students.

I'm grateful for our North Texas law enforcement community, especially SROs Roberson and Rattan, who are instrumental in keeping our schools safe and supporting students.

Mr Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Heroes Texans on Mission, a group of exceptional North Texans working to provide aid and relief to communities hit by the hurricanes. Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated communities across the southeast, killing hundreds, destroying homes, and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. The more than 100 volunteer members of Dallas- based Texas on Mission have stepped up to help storm victims by providing practical assistance including cleaning out homes, serving meals, cutting fallen trees, and delivering resources like mobile showers.

Texans on Mission has sent multiple groups of volunteers to help recover from these back-to-back hurricanes, timing the deployment from Dallas to ensure key disaster relief equipment was in Florda before Hurricane Milton made landfall. Their trucks are equipped to serve up to 10,000 meals a day, a lifeline for families devastated by the storm's destruction. These volunteers know firsthand the sense of helplessness and despair that follows such disasters, with many of them having experienced similar situations. As one of the volunteer leaders said, ``we just want to bring that help, hope, and healing to them.''

Texans on Mission volunteers exemplify the generous spirit of North Texas. I'd like to thank them for stepping up to provide critical relief and support to impacted communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Scottie Scheffler. At six years old, Scottie was swinging a golf club at the Royal Oaks range in Dallas, dreaming of one day playing with the pros. He was a natural, having great success at the youth level, and winning 75 times on the PGA Junior circuit.

While attending Highland Park High School, Scottie won individual state titles three years in a row as well as the 2013 U.S. Junior Amateur Golf Championship, earning him an invitation to play in his first PGA Tour event at age 17. His talent did not go unnoticed, and he was recruited to play collegiate golf at the University of Texas at Austin, where he helped his team win three Big 12 Championships. His accomplishments continued after college, claiming his first Masters Tournament title in 2022. Most recently, Scottie claimed his second Masters Tournament, making him the 18th golfer in history to win the Green Jacket more than once.

I'd like to thank Scottie for being an inspiration to young golfers in North Texas and across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Heroes, Fort Worth Code Compliance Officer Bennett Brandon and Henry. In 2011, Bennett met Henry after he was brought to the Chuck and Brenda Silcox Animal Shelter malnourished and in poor physical health. They sparked a bond that still exists to this day.

After raising money for Henry's hospital bills, Bennett took him everywhere he could to highlight the amazing care provided to homeless pets by the Fort Worth animal shelter. To share his rescue story, Henry accompanied former Mayor Betsy Price to elementary schools across the city blessing over 10,000 students with his wagging tail. Serving as the city's canine ambassador, Henry has raised awareness of the challenges faced by homeless pets. He helped raise almost $5 million to expand the Chuck Silcox Animal Shelter, taking a huge step towards ensuring animals have proper care and adequate space. Thanks to the advocacy of Bennett and Henry, euthanasia rates in Fort Worth shelters dropped from 70 percent to three percent.

After 20 years of amazing service, Bennett has retired, and Henry, following his cancer diagnosis, has retired after 13 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero Danny Huynh, a senior at Harmony School of Innovation in Euless, for his dedicated volunteerism. As Vice President of the school chapter of Key Club International, Danny organized volunteer events for local nonprofits, raised funds for community projects, and assisted international causes. Additionally, he volunteers at the River Legacy Nature Center's Fall Festival and the Huong Tu Foundation, accumulating over 400 hours of service.

As a member of the Hoa Dao Lion Dance Association and as a leadership intern at Camp Invention, Danny has shown dedication to athletics, the arts, and helping his fellow students. His involvement in the National Honor Society led him to fundraise for National Child Abuse Prevention Month and facilitate food donations to charitable organizations. Committed to continuing his service, Danny plans to pursue a nursing degree at the University of Pennsylvania after receiving a full-ride scholarship.

Danny's involvement and selflessness as such a young age sets a great example for students looking to follow his lead and make a positive impact in our community. I wish him the best of luck in college and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Fort Worth resident Luke Hejl. In 2017, after attending a panel about remote care, Luke co-founded TimelyCare to address the shortage of mental health services on college campuses. He chose to focus the company's efforts on higher education after seeing how his alma mater, Abilene Christian University, was having trouble staffing its clinic well enough to serve students' mental health needs.

Complementing existing on-campus services, TimelyCare's care coordination teams help students connect to resources, like clinic and pharmacy locations. The company now serves over two million students, partnering with over 360 higher education institutions, including North Central Texas College, University of Texas at Arlington, and University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth.

I'd like to thank Luke for his work to ensure Texas students have access to timely, high-quality mental health care. His compassion and entrepreneurship are inspiring.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Brooke Donelson. As a passionate advocate and board member for Dallas CASA, Brooke is dedicated to restoring the innocence of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Dallas Court Appointed Special Advocates are trained to advocate for children living in the Dallas County welfare system, providing reports for court hearings that help decide the best possible outcomes for children in foster care.

Since becoming a volunteer in 2018, Brooke has worked tirelessly on her cases, serving as a powerful voice for children who are unable to speak for themselves. She has also been a Young Professionals Council Board Member since 2019, where she does outreach, fundraising, and advocate recruitment for the non-profit.

I am grateful for Brooke's dedication to protecting North Texas children.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Korban Best, a 21-year-old sprinter and Paralympic medalist from Southlake, Texas. While representing Team USA in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, Korban set a personal best time of 10.75 seconds in the men's 100-meter T47 event, earning him a silver medal--America's first medal in the event.

Born with ulnar dysplasia in his right arm, Korban, who is known to family and friends as ``Cheetah Fast,'' developed a love for sports at a young age. While attending Southlake Carroll High School, he played football and excelled on the track team. It was clear Korban

had a natural talent, but his dedication, positivity, and relentless work ethic set him apart. Although the 100-meter dash is an individual sport, Korban has always been a team player. Before competing, he can typically be seen dancing to R&B or Latin music to settle his nerves and lighten everyone's mood.

Even after the incredible achievement of winning a silver medal in the 2024 Paralympic Games Korban has set his goals even higher, determined to bring home the gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games. Korban has never forgotten his Texas roots--when qualifying for the Paralympic Games, he explained, ``you know how we do it here in Texas, we do it big.''

I'd like to recognize Korban for inspiring our North Texas community as he excels on the track and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Amy Langbine Heath, who began working in tree care after moving back home to Dallas. She was the first woman in Texas to become a Board-Certified Master Arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture, achieving this in 2008 and acquiring Texas Tree Surgeons two years later.

In the aftermath of storms that left half a million Texans without power and severe property damage, Amy stepped up to help. Traveling across the community to clean up split trees and limbs, she even saved one North Texas couple's home from being destroyed after removing a damaged tree at risk of falling into their bedroom.

Amy is a shining example of neighbor helping neighbor. I'm grateful for her efforts to help our community get back on track after devastating storms.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Jack Blocker, a North Texas native who was inspired to pursue music at 17 years old.

After attending Trinity Christian Academy in Addison, Jack went on to the University of Arkansas and joined the band Rightfield. A self- taught musician, he continued his journey after graduation by moving to Nashville to pursue his talent while also working as a freelance graphic designer.

Jack decided to take a chance and audition for American Idol, performing one of his original songs. As one of the last contestants from the Nashville area, he originally received two ``no'' votes before he was brought back into the audition room to learn he'd be heading to Hollywood. After making it through nine rounds of eliminations, Jack made it to the final episode, taking home third place for American Idol Season 22.

I'd like to thank Jack for serving as a role model for aspiring musicians in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Officer Joe Boyd, who dedicated 38 years of service to our community, including 15 years with the Coppell Police Department. Throughout his diligent career, Officer Boyd served as patrol officer, detective, and, most recently, devoted himself to protecting our youth as a School Resource Officer.

Officer Boyd has also shown his commitment to North Texas outside of traditional police work, teaching firearm safety and women's self defense classes. He has always been a friendly face to the residents of his community, neighborhood, and city.

I'd like to thank Officer Boyd for his commitment to protecting our community and congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wes Rhodes of Euless, who is retiring after 38 years of service to North Texas. After graduating from Arlington High School, Wes received his associate's degree in Fire Protection Technology from Tarrant County College in Fort Worth. He began his career with the Haltom City Fire Department and spent 25 years as a Firefighter and EMT before quickly moving up the ranks to Fire Chief. In 2011, Wes accepted the position of Fire Chief for the City of Euless. During his time with the Euless Fire Department, Wes focused on community involvement, regional training, empowering the ranks, and maintaining open lines of communication with his team.

Wes' commitment to North Texas has been acknowledged through numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Leadership Award from Tarrant County Fire Service Training Center, Distinguished Alumni Award from Tarrant County Fire Service Training Center, Texas Association of Fire Educators' Instructor of the Year, and Fire Officer of the Year in 1996, 1998, and 1999 from Haltom City Fire/Rescue. His contributions extend beyond fire service, being named the 2024 Hurst-Euless-Bedford Rotarian of the Year for his work as president of the Hurst-Euless- Bedford Rotary Club.

Wes holds an array of certifications and licenses, including Certified Public Manager through Texas State University, Fire Service Chief Executive Officer through Texas A&M University, EMT, Master Firefighter, Master Fire Inspector, Fire Officer IV, HazMat Technician, Fire Investigator, Fire Instructor, Certified Head of Department, Fire Safety Officer, Swift Water Technician, and graduate of the Texas Fire Chiefs Academy. In 2021, he was promoted to Assistant City Manager of Euless. Wes and his wife Mary have been married for 34 years and are proud parents of two grown children, one of whom has followed in his father's footsteps as a Driver and Engineer with Grapevine Fire Department.

I thank Mr. Rhodes, for his unwavering dedication to protecting and serving our community. I congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement.