Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Coppell High School in Coppell, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program.

Through this initiative, students from the National Art Honor Society created more than 90 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office.

This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas.

The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend the members and sponsor for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Early College High School in Farmers Branch, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program.

Through this initiative, students created more than 80 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office.

This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas.

The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Good Elementary School in Carrollton, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program.

Through this initiative, students created more than 100 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office,

This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas.

The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of H. Grady Spruce High School in Dallas, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program.

Through this initiative, Junior ROTC students created more than 130 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office.

This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas.

The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Harry C. Withers Elementary School in Dallas, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program.

Through this initiative, students created more than 320 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served.

I would also like to recognize the members of their Student Council for their leadership in organizing and supporting this project. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make it a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office.

This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas.

The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program.

Through this initiative, students and Junior ROTC members created more than 170 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office.

This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas.

The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of St. John the Apostle Catholic School in North Richland Hills, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program.

Through this initiative, students created more than 35 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office.

This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas.

The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Central High School in Keller, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program.

Through this initiative, Student Council members created more than 55 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office.

This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas.

The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of

Grapevine Faith Christian School in Grapevine, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program.

Through this initiative, students created more than 130 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office.

This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas.

The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the remarkable career of Captain K. Todd Dearing of the Grapevine Police Department as he retires after 35 years of dedicated service to North Texas.

Captain Dearing began his public safety career in 1991 as a dispatcher and security officer with the University of North Texas. In 1992, he joined the Grapevine Police Department, where he served in numerous roles throughout his career, including Patrol Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, before becoming Captain in 2018. His leadership and commitment to public safety helped strengthen the department and our North Texas community.

During his tenure, Captain Dearing helped launch the department's Police Explorers program, mentoring local youth interested in careers in law enforcement, and pioneered the Grapevine Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program, which continues to support the department through thousands of volunteer hours each year. In 2021, he was appointed to lead the department's Management Services Division, where he played an important role in shaping the department's operations. As a Master Peace Officer, Captain Dearing holds a Master of Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University and has completed nearly 3,300 hours of professional training throughout his distinguished career.

Captain K. Todd Dearing's service to law enforcement and our community has left a lasting impact. As he enters his next chapter, I extend my best wishes to him for a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate north Texan Hannah Bilka of the U.S. Women's Hockey Team for winning gold at the 2026 Milan Olympics.

Hannah grew up in Coppell, Texas, where she began skating with local hockey clubs at a young age. She graduated from Coppell Middle School North and completed ninth grade at New Tech High School before moving to pursue more opportunities in competitive hockey.

At just 24 years old, Hannah competed on the world stage against rival Team Canada in the Olympic final. Her talent and sportsmanship were on full display this year in Milan, where she scored four goals over seven games and helped lead Team USA throughout the tournament and on to a gold medal victory.

Her journey from local rinks in north Texas to Olympic champion is inspiring to many young Olympians and many young athletes across the Lone Star State.

I thank Hannah for representing north Texas and the United States in such an incredible way.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th District of Texas. The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Corporal Ronald Frank Moore, United States Marine Corps, of Coppell, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Corporal Moore enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1973 and was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division Headquarters Company during the Vietnam era. While serving, he demonstrated outstanding leadership, character, and dedication to his fellow Marines, earning the Good Conduct Medal for exemplary service. During his time in uniform, he was frequently invited to organize and lead morale-building events for his unit, including speaking engagements and community programs across Okinawa and the Pacific.

Following his military service, Corporal Moore dedicated his life to communication, mentorship, and community service. For more than five decades, he has worked as a national broadcaster, speaker, and community leader hosting programs such as Higher Life and Morning Cup of Motivation, and serving as a voice for K-LOVE Radio. Through these platforms, he has inspired thousands with messages of resilience, leadership, and hope.

He is the Founder of Fields of Grace Church, an outreach-focused organization that provides encouragement and service to others, and continues to lead programs across Texas and beyond that uplift and strengthen communities.

Corporal Moore's lifelong commitment to service, both in uniform and as a civilian leader, reflects the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and brings 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 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Specialist Fifth Class John Delgado, United States Army, of Euless, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Specialist Delgado served honorably in the United States Army from 1968 to 1974 during the Vietnam War. As a combat medic, he provided lifesaving care to his fellow soldiers under some of the most difficult and dangerous conditions of the conflict. His courage, professionalism, and compassion on the battlefield earned him the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Following his military service, Specialist Delgado devoted his life to service and improving the lives of others. He served as Director of The Glory House, a home for juvenile boys who had been abused, abandoned, or neglected offering stability, mentorship, and guidance to young men in crisis. Under his leadership, The Glory House became a model of compassion and transformation, and he was honored by the Alabama Department of Youth Services with the ``Child's Best Friend Award'' for his extraordinary impact on youth and families.

After relocating to Texas, Specialist Delgado continued his lifelong mission to serve others through his ministry at Calvary Temple Church in Irving, where he has served for more than thirty years. He later co- founded Texas University of Theology in Hurst, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Through this institution, he established a comprehensive chaplain training program that has certified more than 900 chaplains serving in hospitals, hospices, schools, prisons, and veteran programs nationwide including the Dallas VA hospital.

Specialist Delgado's legacy of service, compassion, and leadership has touched countless lives and continues to inspire others to live with purpose and faith. His devotion to his country and his community reflects the highest traditions of the United States Army and brings 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 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Lieutenant Colonel Cynthia Jean Trickett, United States Air Force, of Dallas, Texas, for her honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for her continued service to her community.

Lieutenant Colonel Trickett served with distinction in the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserves, and Texas Air National Guard for thirty three years. As a Physician Associate and Medical Officer assigned to the 149th Medical Group at Joint Base San Antonio, she provided exemplary clinical leadership and care in both peacetime and crisis operations. Her career included four major activations in support of disaster relief and public health emergencies including Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hurricane Rita in 2005, Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and the Texas COVID-19 pandemic response from 2020 to 2021. She also deployed along the Rio Grande in 2002 and 2005 to deliver medical, dental, and humanitarian services to underserved communities. Her military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with service star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal with service star, Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, and Air Force Longevity Service Award with four oak leaf clusters.

Following her distinguished military career, Lieutenant Colonel Trickett has continued her lifelong mission of service through medicine, mentorship, and education. A nationally recognized Physician Associate in dermatology, she lectures and teaches across the country, advancing patient care and professional standards in her field. She was honored with the 2022 Society of Dermatology Physician Associates Service Award for her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy. In North Texas, she serves as a clinical instructor and preceptor for students from West Coast University, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and the University of North Texas, shaping the next generation of healthcare providers through compassion and excellence.

Lieutenant Colonel Trickett also remains dedicated to honoring fellow veterans through her volunteer work with Wreaths Across America, ensuring that the service and sacrifice of those interred at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery are never forgotten. Her service in uniform, in medicine, and in the community exemplifies the highest ideals of leadership, integrity, and compassion.

Lieutenant Colonel Trickett's distinguished career and enduring commitment to others reflect the finest traditions of the United States Air Force and bring great credit upon herself, 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 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Specialist Mark Alan Johnson, United States Army, of North Richland Hills, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Specialist Johnson served honorably in the United States Army from 1974 to 1976 with Company C, 122nd Signal Corps, 2nd Infantry Division, stationed at Camp Casey, South Korea. As a Radio, Teletype, and Morse Code Operator, he was recognized as one of the most skilled and dependable communications specialists in his unit. During the heightened alert that followed the 1976 ``Korean Axe Murder Incident,'' he played a vital role in maintaining morale and operational readiness as U.S. forces prepared for potential escalation. His dedication and leadership earned him the rank of Specialist 4 and the respect of both peers and superiors. His military decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean Defense Service Medal.

Following his military service, Specialist Johnson dedicated four decades to civil service with the Federal Highway Administration, General Services Administration, and Federal Aviation Administration, where his work in information technology helped streamline processes, save taxpayer dollars, and support thousands of federal employees nationwide. Stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, he played a key role in the recovery and support efforts for coworkers who survived the 1995 Murrah Federal Building bombing, providing both technical and personal assistance in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Beyond his career, Specialist Johnson has remained deeply engaged in community service and charitable work. As a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association and the Iron Butt Association, he has helped raise funds for organizations including The Salvation Army, Scottish Rite Children's Hospital, and programs supporting children in foster care. His compassion and generosity extend back to his service in South Korea, where he volunteered at a local orphanage for deaf children.

Specialist Johnson's lifelong dedication to service across military, civil, and community spheres reflects the highest traditions of the United States Army and brings great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.