Floor Statements

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.

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 Matthew Myers, United States Army, of Dallas, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Specialist Myers served honorably in the United States Army from 1979 to 1982 as a combat medic with the 1st Ranger Battalion, U.S. Army Airborne. Throughout his service, he exemplified the highest standards of courage, readiness, and compassion providing emergency care under demanding conditions while supporting the elite soldiers of the Ranger Regiment. His military decorations include the Parachutist Badge, Army Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Expert Rifle Badge, and Medical Field Expert Badge, recognizing his professionalism and technical skill as both a soldier and a medic.

Following his military service, Specialist Myers built a distinguished career in education, leadership, and philanthropy, continuing his lifelong commitment to service. As Dean of the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University from 2017 to 2025,

he championed expanded scholarship opportunities for veterans and active-duty service members, doubling the school's Yellow Ribbon funding to ensure broader access to graduate education through the GI Bill. He also served as a faculty adviser to SMU Military Veterans, providing mentorship and advocacy for students transitioning from military to academic life.

Beyond higher education, Specialist Myers continues to serve his community through board leadership with Goodwill of Dallas, the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation, King Ranch, and The Peregrine Fund advancing causes of workforce development, healthcare, and conservation. His influence has inspired countless students and colleagues, including his own daughters, who credit his Army service for shaping their values of selflessness, humility, and strength.

Specialist Myers' honorable service and continued dedication to education, veterans, and his community reflect the highest traditions of the United States Army and bring 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 Master Sergeant Bruce Nelson Blackmon, United States Air Force, 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.

Master Sergeant Blackmon served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1978 to 1998, dedicating twenty years to the maintenance, repair, and readiness of critical aircraft in support of American combat operations around the world. As a sheet metal craftsman with the 305th Maintenance Squadron under Air Mobility Command, he played a vital role in ensuring that aircraft returning from combat during the Gulf War could be rapidly repaired and returned to mission-ready status directly supporting air operations and the safety of troops on the ground. His superior technical skill, leadership, and dedication earned him numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with four devices, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two devices, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with three devices, and the NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon.

Following his military career, Master Sergeant Blackmon continued his lifelong commitment to service through his work and within his community. For more than twenty-five years, he worked as a kitchen designer and salesman, helping rebuild and restore homes devastated by natural disasters including Hurricane Charley and Hurricane Ike. Known for his humility and willingness to help, he has driven hours to assist friends and family in need repairing plumbing and lighting, installing cabinetry, or simply providing comfort and companionship to those hospitalized or struggling. His community service reflects the same sense of duty and compassion that defined his military career.

Master Sergeant Blackmon's steadfast service, both in uniform and as a civilian, exemplifies the highest traditions of the United States Air Force 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 Congressional District of Texas. The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Aviation Structural Mechanic First Class Joseph Ray Williams, United States Navy, of Roanoke, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Petty Officer First Class Williams served honorably in the United States Navy from 1996 to 2016, completing seven deployments and circumnavigating the globe three times in defense of the Nation. As a member of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15, he played a vital role in support of the Kosovo Campaign, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Global War on Terror. His military service was marked by courage, professionalism, and devotion to duty earning him six Good Conduct Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, three Humanitarian Service Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, and numerous unit and marksmanship awards recognizing his excellence and leadership across two decades of service.

Following his distinguished naval career, Petty Officer Williams continued his lifelong mission of service by founding Texas Veterans Outdoors (TVO) in 2017, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans transition successfully into civilian life. What began as a small grassroots effort in Denton County has grown into a global network of more than 9,000 members, providing mentorship, coaching, and fellowship to veterans and their families. Through outdoor experiences such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and retreats, TVO offers therapeutic and empowering opportunities that help veterans reconnect with themselves, their families, and their communities.

Under Petty Officer Williams' leadership, Texas Veterans Outdoors has become a model of veteran-led outreach and healing, fostering resilience and camaraderie among service members across Texas and beyond. His work has strengthened families, inspired community partnerships, and created a legacy of compassion and leadership that continues to uplift those who have served.

Petty Officer Williams' steadfast dedication to his fellow veterans, his community, and his country reflects the highest traditions of the United States Navy 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 Congressional District of Texas. The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Sergeant Eric Lee Newton, United States Army, of Colleyville, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Sergeant Newton served honorably in the United States Army from 1968 to 1971 as a tank commander with K Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, under the command of Colonel George Patton. While deployed to Vietnam from July 1968 to July 1969, he displayed extraordinary courage and devotion to

his fellow soldiers. During a mortar attack on his unit, Sergeant Newton was wounded by shrapnel while shielding his comrades and rescuing the company mascot, sustaining injuries that earned him the Purple Heart. His exemplary service also earned him the Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and recognition for marksmanship on both the M-14 and M-16 rifles. His unit additionally received the Valorous Unit Award and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm for collective heroism in combat.

Following his military service, Sergeant Newton has remained a lifelong advocate for veterans and a pillar of his community. He has served as Senior Vice Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 1513 in the Mid-Cities and as Junior Vice Commander for the Department of Texas, championing programs that support wounded veterans and their families. For more than thirty years, he has also served as the National Public Affairs Officer for the 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia, preserving the legacy of those who served and ensuring their sacrifices are remembered.

Beyond his dedication to veterans, Sergeant Newton has spent decades volunteering across Colleyville as a coach, civic volunteer, and youth mentor. He served on the design committee for Colleyville Heroes Park, volunteered with Kidsville Park, and coached youth baseball and soccer. In 2005, he returned to Iraq to document the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment's combat history, continuing his lifelong commitment to telling the story of American service and sacrifice.

Sergeant Newton's courage in battle, enduring service to veterans, and steadfast commitment to his community reflect the highest traditions of the United States Army and bring great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.