Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation and the Citizens of the Twenty-Fourth District of Texas, the 2022 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Ricardo Torrez Castanuela, Master Sergeant, United States Air Force, of North Richland Hills, Texas for the honorable service he performed while in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Mr. Castanuela enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948 and served as part of an ordnance company during the Korean War, running munitions to the front lines. Upon returning to the United States he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1954, being awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious actions while in Vietnam. His decorations, in addition to his Bronze Star, include the Korean Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster to denote three awards.

The selflessness Mr. Castanuela demonstrated in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force continues with his service to his community. He began his civilian career as a peace officer and corrections officer with the Tarrant County Sheriff's Department, attaining the rank of Major and becoming the first Hispanic-American Warden of Tarrant County.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Susie Murray, the school nurse at Ursuline Academy. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Susie has gone above and beyond to keep the students, faculty, and staff of Ursuline Academy safe.

Susie diligently kept up on the protocols from the city, county, and state. She also carefully kept track of cases to help keep students and faculty as safe and healthy as possible. Susie's efforts allowed Ursuline to avoid additional lockdown periods when they returned to in- person learning. When uncertainty disheartened parents, teachers and students, Susie remained cool-headed and dedicated to the task ahead of her.

The Covid-19 pandemic, however, was not the beginning of Susie's dedication to her community. Even before the pandemic, she played a vital role in the well-being of Ursuline's students and faculty by attending retreats, chaperoning the Students Reach Out service club, and always being ready and willing to support a student or colleague in any way.

On behalf of the North Texas community, I'd like to extend my gratitude to Susie for her dedicated leadership before, during, and after the pandemic.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation and the Citizens of the Twenty-Fourth District of Texas, the 2022 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Gunnar Marshall West, Captain, United States Army, of Dallas, Texas for the honorable service he performed while in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Mr. West was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1973 and commissioned as an officer in 1978,

serving in the Army Medical Corps as a brigade surgeon, stationed in the First Infantry Division at Fort Riley in Kansas. He then deployed to Germany and was later awarded an Army Achievement Medal for his role in the defense of the Rock Island Arsenal during a violent protest in 1985. Among his other decorations is the Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

The selflessness Mr. West demonstrated in the U.S. Army continues with his service to his community. He started a nonprofit organization for abused and neglected children, SouthWest Kids, and has been involved in coaching youth sports in Southlake for over two decades.

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

Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation and the Citizens of the Twenty-Fourth District of Texas, the 2022 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Brandon Derek Williams, Staff Sergeant, United States Air Force, of Euless, Texas for the honorable service he performed while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Mr. Williams enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2001, serving as an aerospace maintenance specialist working on numerous large aircraft, like the C-5 and C-17. While stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base he supported

global airlift operations during the height of the War on Terror. He transferred to the reserves in 2004, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

The selflessness Mr. Williams demonstrated in the U.S. Air Force continues with his service to his community. He currently serves as the Service Officer for American Legion Post 379 in Euless, helping connect veterans to resources and organizations that can assist with a variety of benefits and services as well as organizing events for the Legion post. He also volunteers with several veterans organizations including the Westlake Military Veterans Network and GallantFew.

Mr. Williams' service is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Air Force and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John B. Billingsley, Jr., Founder and CEO of the recently launched JBB Advanced Technologies headquartered in the 24th Congressional District, which I proudly represent. Prior to launching JBB Advanced Technologies, Billingsley founded Tri Global Energy 13 years ago and built the Dallas-based company into one of America's top five renewable energy developers before its recent sale.

John has been widely recognized as a pioneer and industry leader for his vision and contributions to the development of renewable energy in Texas and the U.S., including by D CEO Magazine. Recently Billingsley was the recipient of its 2022 Renewable Energy Impact Award. In 2021, D CEO Magazine named Billingsley as their Renewable Energy Executive of the Year as a part of their annual Energy Awards. The awards honor excellence and innovation in oil and gas from North Texas to the Permian Basin and for only the second time, this award included the category of renewable energy. In addition to the designation for the Annual Energy Awards, D CEO magazine also named John Billingsley to its Dallas 500 list. The list features the Dallas/Fort Worth region's most influential leaders in more than fifty different industry categories.

Billingsley, a West Texas native and Texas Tech University graduate, has founded and operated more than 20 businesses in industries as diverse as accounting and banking to agriculture, real estate, and manufacturing. He founded Tri Global Energy based on a business model of involving local landowners and communities in wind power projects and led the company through more than a decade of growth and expansion. The story of Tri Global Energy is told in his 2020 book, Texas Wind Force. I wish him the best of luck in his newest venture JBB Advanced Technologies which delivers more profitable, environmentally friendly digital technologies by developing renewable energy sources to power blockchain and artificial intelligence-based innovations.

I want to express my appreciation and best wishes to John Billingsley upon his impressive recognitions by D CEO magazine. The great state of Texas was built by visionary leaders and entrepreneurs like Billingsley, and we are proud that he has chosen the 24th Congressional District as his company's headquarters.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. Over the weekend, tragedy struck North Texas as six lives were taken in an air show honoring our veterans. One victim was Texas-24 resident and local leader, Terry Barker.

Terry was the epitome of an all-American hero. An Army veteran and American Airlines pilot of 36 years, Terry spent decades of his storied and accomplished life serving others. His service in the Army and unmatched dedication to honoring veterans is a testament to the kind of man Terry was.

Just last week, to pay tribute to veterans, Terry helped set up the Keller Field of Honor: 1,776 full-size U.S. flags dedicated to the 1,776 heroes. He then took to the skies one last time in a World War II era B-17 bomber to pay tribute to the Greatest Generation.

Terry was also a dedicated public servant, spending two terms as a Keller City councilmember. My friend and colleague, Keller Mayor Armin Mizani, described Terry as his mentor, and an ``outgoing and selfless man who always had a joke to share.''

Texas-24 lost an American patriot, a public servant, and beloved friend this week. I ask you to please join me in praying for Terry, his family, and all of those affected by this weekend's tragedy.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the following Resolution.

Whereas, the United Way of Tarrant County is celebrating 100 years of serving residents from across Tarrant County and Texas-24 this November; and

Whereas, United Way of Tarrant County empowers residents, volunteers, donors, businesses, governments, nonprofits, and community stakeholders to come together to not only fix problems, but to tackle the reasons the problems exist in the first place; and

Whereas, United Way of Tarrant County is supporting major areas of need in our communities and across the county including education and learning, financial stability, community health, and community response; and

Whereas, United Way of Tarrant County works to build relationships and trust alongside the communities in which it serves; and

Whereas, United Way of Tarrant County encourages all residents to get united to create change and build stronger communities for all by all.

Be it therefore Resolved that I, Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne, do hereby recognize United Way of Tarrant County for supporting our communities and enriching the lives of everyone in Texas-24.

Be it therefore Resolved that I, Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne, do hereby congratulate United Way of Tarrant County on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Dario Estrada Mota for receiving the Celebra Grapevine Hispanic Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sports has always been central in Mr. Dario Estrada Mota's life, especially baseball and soccer since he left his hometown of Sabinas, Coahuila, in 1971 to make North Texas his new home. For over 50 years, he, his wife, Mrs. Carmen Beltran Mota, and their children have called Grapevine home.

In 1987, Mr. Mota recognized the need for adult soccer within the Latino community when his children Tomas and Dario Jr. aged out of the City of Grapevine's youth soccer program. It was from that need that Grapevine Metropolitan Soccer League, also known as GMSL, was born. Over the past 35 years, GMSL's central mission has been to serve the Latino community within the 817-area code and beyond. With Mrs. Mota co-leading, and his right-hand man, Mr. Mario Bonilla, and his children, the league has grown to over 40 teams, serving 800 active players and members. GMSL now serves Latino soccer leagues whose origins are from Mexico, Guatemala, Argentina, and El Salvador, among many other South and Central American countries. Throughout the years, the league has grown and has expanded its reach to include soccer leagues from Nepal, Colombia, and Africa. On any given Sunday, GMSL welcomes over 1700 people to enjoy sports, build relationships, and enjoy our delightful community.

The impacts of these 35 years and efforts are immeasurable. We've seen his individual and multi-generation impact on thousands of individuals throughout DFW and beyond, a ripple effect of the mentorship, sportsmanship, and teamwork learned on the soccer fields of Grapevine. Over the years, he has found opportunities for young players to reach international stardom and organized international championships at the Dallas Cowboys stadium. It has been a visible, passionate, tireless dedication and advocacy for and to serve the Latino community of Grapevine.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize two students from Texas' 24th District who recently participated in Carnegie Hall's National Youth Orchestra (NYO) program, a significant achievement for young musicians.

After being accepted to this extremely competitive program, Diego Pena of Southlake, Texas and Neha Bharadwaj of Irving, Texas convened with some of the brightest young instrumentalists in the country for intensive training in New York.

They then joined their respective ensembles on tours to some of the great musical capitals around the world, serving as cultural ambassadors and promoting peaceful relations through music.

On behalf of our entire community, I'd like to thank Diego and Neha for representing North Texas across the world. Through their unmatched talent, they brought incredible music around the globe and made our community immensely proud.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Crossroads Community Services Dallas, a nonprofit in North Texas that goes above and beyond to help with food insecurity in our community.

Crossroads Community Services selflessly ensures families can feed their children and get back on their feet during hard times. What started as a ministry at First United Methodist Church in DFW has turned into a life changing operation for thousands of families.

Crossroads serves more than 26,000 people each month, and that number only continues to grow. During the pandemic--as families were unemployed and quarantined--they distributed nearly 12 million pounds of food to North Texans.

Their dedication to helping families during challenging times has changed the lives of families across the metroplex. On behalf of our entire community, I would like to thank Crossroads for their service to North Texas and providing an essential lifeline to thousands of families in need.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero of the Week and one of DFW's finest--the late Dallas Police Officer Jacob Arellano.

I joined my fellow North Texans with a heavy heart as we learned of the tragic loss of Officer Arellano, who suffered injuries sustained in a head on collision.

Officer Arellano joined the Dallas Police Department just over three years ago, and I have no doubt he would have continued to bravely and selflessly serve North Texas for many years to come.

Please join me in praying for his surviving son, Jacob, his girlfriend, and his family and friends as they navigate this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a 15-year Dallas Police Department veteran, Officer Ronald Cronin.

Officer Cronin was recently presented with a Life-Saving Award from the Sons of the American Revolution for his courageous actions that stopped an active shooter at Dallas Love Field Airport in July.

Thinking of others before himself, Officer Cronin took swift action and put his life on the line to ensure the hundreds of Love Field travelers around him lived another day.

Just as the shooter pulled her firearm, Officer Cronin was on the scene, giving her loud verbal commands to drop the weapon.

Disregarding the verbal commands, she began firing her weapon at Officer Cronin and innocent bystanders. He quickly returned fire, hit the shooter, and held his position until fellow officers arrived to take the shooter into custody.

If it weren't for Officer Cronin's selfless acts of courage, this disturbing incident could have ended in tragedy. On behalf of the entire Dallas-Fort Worth community, I thank Officer Cronin for his actions that day and his 15 years of service with the Dallas Police Department.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lori Cerami, a North Texan who took an unimaginable tragedy and turned it into a lifesaving difference for our community.

After her daughter Elise fatally drowned during swim practice, Lori took this tragedy and created the Swim4Elise Foundation to ensure no other child suffers the same fate.

Every summer, the Swim4Elise Foundation provides free water safety classes to more than 5,000 daycare children in North Texas. They also provide full scholarships for American Red Cross lifeguard training programs so trained swimmers are always on alert.

Because of her efforts--and immense love for her late daughter-- mothers and fathers across North Texas may rest easy knowing their children are in good hands. On behalf of our entire community, I thank Lori for taking her family's tragedy and turning it into a beautiful act of public service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor our Texas 24 Hometown Hero of the week, Ashley Cain-Gribble, a Carrollton native who represented the United States at this year's Olympics.

Ashley lived out her lifelong dream last month as she took to the ice in the Olympics. Along with her partner, Timothy Leduc--who also calls the DFW area home--they finished in the top 8, the first time an American pair has done so since 1998.

Ashley's heroics on the world stage have inspired us all back home. But her years of training and hard work should serve as a reminder to every American that success is impossible without sacrifice.

Fulfilling her dream did not happen overnight. Since the age of 2, Ashley has been on the ice with one goal in mind: to compete on the world's biggest stage. In the years leading up to the Olympics, Ashley and Timothy trained with her father in Euless, TX--putting in blood, sweat, and tears to accomplish her goal.

Ashley returns to TX-24 a hero. Americans like her are an inspiration not only to the young girls who look up to her, but to the entire country.

I thank Ashley for her hard work and dedication. May they inspire the rest of the country to fulfill their dreams.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Donna Cranston of Coppell, Texas as this week's Texas-24 Hometown Hero. Donna's commitment to supporting our veterans has made a great impact on our community.

Donna started an organization called Defenders of Freedom when her son Matt served in Iraq. Matt experienced a lot of action and trauma while serving and came home with severe PTSD, which many veterans across the nation also face. Donna and Defenders of Freedom were able to partner with members of the medical community to treat veterans with brain treatment.

Defenders of Freedom provides donors with the organization they need to support post 9/11 Veterans in their transition to civilian life through emergency financial assistance, morale building programs, and traumatic brain injury treatment.

I thank Donna for the support and care she is sharing with our veterans who have fought to protect us and our Nation. Her contributions and sacrifices do not go unnoticed and the impact she is making on the lives of Texas-24 veterans is immensely appreciated.