Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Larry Bush, United States Marine Corps. SGT Bush's extraordinary commitment to his country, his community of Jarrell, Texas, and his service in the Marine Corps reflects the best values of Central Texas. He is a fitting recipient of a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

SGT Bush began his career in the Marine Corps by serving in the Vietnam War in 1969. His deep commitment to serving his country can be seen through his extensive list of medals and awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Rifle Expert Badge.

After leaving the Marines in 1975, SGT Bush lived his life for the betterment of Jarrell and its citizens. He served his community in the City Council for six years, the Economic Development Board for two years, and as Mayor of the City of Jarrell since 2014. His commitment to community doesn't stop with elected office. SGT Bush is a devoted member of several advisory boards including water, roads and finances, as well as the Williamson County Road Bond Program. Committed public servants like him have made Jarrell a great place to live and work.

SGT Bush deserves to be celebrated, as he is a man of intelligence, compassion, and integrity. With admiration and deep respect, I pay tribute to SGT Bush for his service to our country and the lasting impact he has had on his community and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the accomplishments of Staff Sergeant James Harrell, U.S. Marine Corps, who served his country and continues to selflessly serve his fellow veterans and his community following his retirement He is a fitting recipient of a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

SSG Harrell served six years in the United States Marine Corps, including two tours in Vietnam. During his service, SSG Harrell was a recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including the Marine Combat Action Ribbon. After being Honorably Discharged, SSG Harrell returned to Texas where he rose to become the Assistant Chief Deputy for Williamson County's Sheriff's Department.

SSG Harrell's love for his country is matched only by his commitment to his fellow service members. After recognizing the needs of our county's less fortunate veterans, SSG Harrell joined his good friend Major Barry Richard, United States Air Force, Retired to help over twelve Williamson County veterans by rebuilding homes, bringing them up to code, doing repairs, and more for over five years. Together, they've made real and lasting impacts on the lives of their fellow veterans.

SSG Harrell serves his fellow men with the same dedication, honor, and humility with which he defended his country. He exemplifies what it means to be an American, consistently placing his country and fellow men before himself. I thank and commend SSG Harrell, a passionate leader with a servant's heart, for his dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Major Barry Richard, United States Air Force, Retired. Maj. Richard, who answered the call to defend our great nation for 20 years, continues to dutifully serve his community of Georgetown, Texas in civilian life. An exemplary serviceman and citizen, it is my honor to award Maj. Richard with the Congressional Veteran Commendation.

His military service began in 1968 where his skills were utilized in various capacities as an engineer, pilot, and manager. He wore many hats during his years with the Air Force, including working as a technical design engineer for modifications to EC-135 aircraft and Hound Dog Air-launched missiles, as pilot and rated staff officer, and as Chief of numerous Air Force Safety Units. Maj. Richard saw much combat, and as a testament to the quality of his service, he received numerous awards including the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and numerous Commendation Medals.

Maj. Richard's love of country is matched only by his commitment to his fellow service members. After the end of his service in 1988, he and his friend Staff Sergeant Jim Harrell, United States Marines Corps, have worked to improve the lives of veterans in Williamson County. Maj. Richard has contributed to building wheelchair ramps and making considerable home improvements to the homes of local veterans in need. This dignified work has made a lasting impact on the community he proudly serves.

I commend Maj. Barry Richard's selfless service to the United States Air Force, his nation, and his community. His patriotism, citizenship, and commitment to excellence reflect the very best values of Central Texas. I join his friends and family in celebrating his outstanding achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the service and achievements of an esteemed and valued citizen of Killeen, Texas. Colonel Raul Villaronga, U.S. Army Retired, has dedicated himself to serving his community and is an embodiment of the Army values of honor, loyalty, and selfless service. He is a deserving recipient of a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

His commission as an Infantry 2nd Lieutenant in 1959 began his 24 years of service in which he completed assignments in Fort Bragg, the Panama Canal Zone, Vietnam, Germany, and Fort Hood. While assigned to the 8th Special Forces Group, he participated in numerous classified Mobile Training Teams in Central and South America. COL Villaronga deservingly received awards including the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal as a testament to his exemplary service.

COL Villaronga is a respected citizen serving in numerous roles showcasing his commitment to community and nation. Returning from the Army, COL Villaronga served three terms as Mayor of Killeen. As Mayor, he founded the Killeen Youth Advisory Commission and worked on the Joint Use Agreement for the Robert Gray Army Airfield. As Chairman of the Killeen League of United Latin American Citizens Council 4535 Foundation, COL Villaronga has been responsible for the donation of over $175,000 in scholarships for local graduating seniors. He continues to serve veterans in his community alongside his wife. His tireless efforts have made Central Texas a place that we're proud to call home.

COL Villaronga's patriotism and commitment to service reflect the very best values of Central Texas. He is a hero who has devoted his life to defending our freedoms abroad and serving his community at home. I join his wife, Julia, along with his family and friends in wishing him the best in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Staff Sergeant Rufus Honeycutt, USMC, for his dedication and commitment to our country. SSG Honeycutt's extraordinary devotion to community and service reflects the best values of Central Texas. He is a fitting and worthy recipient of a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

SSG Honeycutt enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1960, and spent six years proudly defending his country. His military career included wartime deployment with the first combat unit to see action in Vietnam and earned him numerous awards and medals including the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Vietnam Service.

Following his military career, Rufus has served those around him with boundless altruism and exemplary leadership. A profoundly respected pillar of the Round Rock community, SSG Honeycutt has dedicated his time to numerous community organizations, including six years of service on the Round Rock City Council. He continues to support fellow veterans by providing transportation to the VA, working as the Blood Drive Coordinator at Ft. Hood, and much more. He has volunteered countless hours in his community, and has consistently placed his neighbors' needs before his own. For these reasons and many more, his community carne together in 2002 to honor Rufus Honeycutt as Round Rock Citizen of the Year.

SSG Honeycutt is a hero who has devoted his life to defending our freedoms abroad and serving his community at home. Dedicated public servants like him make Central Texas a great place to live. I join his family and friends in saluting his honored work and commitment to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Colonel Patrick J. Christ, U.S. Army, Retired, from Harker Heights, Texas, for his dedication to our country while serving over two decades in the Army. LTC Christ exemplifies what it means to commit his life to his country and community; he is a deserving recipient of a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

LTC Christ has shown sincere dedication throughout his 23 years in the Army. His commitment to serving his country can be seen through his extensive list of medals, including the Southwest Asia Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. In addition to his superb work defending our nation, LTC Christ held important leadership positions in the Military Officers Association of America and the Association of the United States Army.

After retiring from the U.S. Army in 1992, LTC Christ continued to dedicate his time to worthy causes. He has served as a city council member in the city of Harker Heights, on the Board of Directors for Hill Country Transit, and the Chamber of Commerce. LTC Christ lives a life dedicated to other veterans in his area by working closely with the Area Veterans Advisory Committee and by founding the Harker Heights Veterans' Council. LTC Christ is thoroughly involved in many sports organizations in his area, namely the Tri-County Soccer Club and the T.J. Zimmerman Soccer Tournament which he holds leadership positions in, as well as many other soccer associations. LTC Christ has logged hundreds of volunteer hours in many organizations, including as Admiral of the Texas Navy for Governor Rick Perry. Community activists like him make Central Texas a great place to live and work.

I commend LTC Christ for his service to his community and country. I join his family and friends in saluting his dedication to our country, and being an embodiment of Central Texas values.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Colonel Gery Brent Truitt, U.S. Army Retired, of Harker Heights, Texas, for his dedication to our country while serving 25 years in the Army. LTC Truitt exemplifies what it means to commit his life to his country and has more than earned our admiration and respect. He is a deserving recipient of a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Upon his commissioning as a Second Lieutenant from Sam Houston State University in 1979, LTC Truitt began his military career as an Infantry Officer with the Texas National Guard and then entered the United States Army. As Lieutenant, he conducted more combat patrols inside the Korean demilitarized zone than any other officer in the 2nd Infantry Division, and as Major, he served in a variety of 5th Special Forces Group assignments. Just prior to being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, he was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer, which he successfully overcame in the next year. LTC Truitt used that time to revive the Columbus State University ROTC Program as a professor in Military Science.

This brave soldier is also a committed citizen. Following his military career, he continued to support the military in the Central Texas Special Forces Association. As President, he is responsible for an annual raffle that raises thousands of dollars annually to support homeless veterans' programs and local non-profit organizations to meet immediate community needs. His work to make his community a great place to live and work have made lasting and positive impacts on the region.

I commend LTC Truitt's selfless service to his community and nation. His dedication to our country and community reflects the best values of central Texas. I join his family and friends in saluting his great work and dedication to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Skip Blancett, USN, Retired of Salado, Texas. With a career spanning over two decades, CAPT Blancett is a true patriot, a faith-filled citizen, and unquestionably a deserving recipient of a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

CAPT Blancett joined the Navy at age 29 and was stationed in Guam, where he helped fulfill the spiritual needs of others. CAPT Blancett went on to serve his country in eight other stations around the world, with duties ranging from Public Affairs Officer, to teaching a course in the Naval War College, to furthering the spiritual state of his fellow sailors through various tactics with the Chaplain Corps.

CAPT Blancett's love of country is matched only by his commitment to his community. Upon retirement, the call to serve continued to burn inside. CAPT Blancett has gracefully served as Mayor of Salado since 2014 where he has been a champion of the Village's growing economy and its hard-working citizens. He is beloved by the Village of Salado for his leadership, commitment to faith, and passion for his community.

CAPT Blancett serves the people of Salado with the same dedication, honor, and humility with which he served his country. He is an exemplary man who shows the utmost commitment to his family, community, and above all, his faith. May we all follow the example of great men such as CAPT Blancett, and live a life of hard work, loyalty and service to others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor First Sergeant Will Williams, U.S. Army, Retired, of Round Rock, Texas, for his selfless dedication and service to our nation and his continued, unparalleled contributions to his community. I am honored to award him a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Following his enlistment in 1976, SGT Williams contributed 24 years of service that included deployments from Panama and Somalia, to Desert Shield and Desert Storm as an Army Ranger, Small Weapons Specialist with the 2nd Division. His commitment to keeping our nation safe is in his blood. Three generations of his family served in combat roles in the United States Army, and among the three they share 4 Bronze Star Medals.

SGT Williams' service and sense of duty did not culminate with his military service. Upon returning to Round Rock, SGT Williams dedicated his civilian life to the uplifting and betterment of his community. In 2013, he helped raise $50,000 for Dell's Children's Hospital and over $10,000 for the Ronald McDonald House. In Round Rock, SGT Williams organized a food drive, sent out a care package to deployed soldiers, and provided clothing and supplies to 300 foster kids through Project Care.

His service has been recognized and appreciated throughout the community. SGT Williams was recognized with the Service to Mankind Award by the Round Rock Sertoma Club, received the Leadership Award from the ``Heart of Texas Award'' organization, and was honored with the Governor's Lone Star Achievement Award from Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

I commend First Sergeant Will Williams' selfless service to his community and nation. His commitment to excellence and citizenship reflect the best values we hold as Americans. I join his family, friends, and colleagues in saluting his great work and dedication to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the service and achievements of an esteemed and valued citizen, Captain Dennis DeWine, U.S. Army. He has dedicated himself to his community and nation and is an embodiment of the Army values of honor, loyalty, and selfless service. CPT DeWine is a fitting and worthy recipient of a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

CPT DeWine joined the Army in 1967, graduated Helicopter Flight School in 1968, and spent the next seven years as a helicopter pilot; twenty months of which were two tours of duty in Vietnam. As a testament to his valorous service in Vietnam, the President of the United States presented CPT DeWine with the Distinguished Flying Cross award for his actions above and beyond the call of duty. After being Honorably Discharged CPT DeWine was inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor.

CPT DeWine's leadership skills have been invaluable throughout his post-military career. After rejoining civilian life, he became the founder, broker, and president of ERA Colonial Real Estate and Colonial Residential Properties, Inc. Despite his busy schedule, CPT DeWine remains dedicated to serving his community. He can often be found in jeans and boots working alongside his friends and neighbors. CPT DeWine's passion to serve is evident through his participation and leadership in numerous organizations, such as Central Texas Voices for Life, where he serves as Chairman. CPT DeWine has also proven his commitment to serving others through his company's efforts to successfully raise $100,000 for Muscular Dystrophy.

Despite his business and charitable commitments, CPT DeWine has found time to raise a closeknit family, volunteer in community organizations, and remain active in his church. With admiration and deep respect, I pay tribute to Dennis DeWine for his sacrifices and the lasting impact he has had on his community and country

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the accomplishments of Staff Sergeant James Harrell, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired, who served his country and continues to selflessly serve his fellow veterans and his community following his retirement. He is a fitting recipient of a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

SSG Harrell served six years in the United States Marine Corps, including two tours in Vietnam. During his service, SSG Harrell was a recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including the Marine Combat Action Ribbon. After being Honorably Discharged, SSG Harrell returned to Texas where he rose to become the Assistant Chief Deputy for Williamson County's Sheriff's Department.

SSG Harrell's love for his country is matched only by his commitment to his fellow service members. After recognizing the needs of our county's less fortunate veterans, SSG Harrell joined his good friend Major Barry Richard, United States Air Force, Retired to help over twelve Williamson County veterans by rebuilding homes, bringing them up to code, doing repairs, and more for over five years. Together, they've made real and lasting impacts on the lives of their fellow veterans.

SSG Harrell serves his fellow men with the same dedication, honor, and humility with which he defended his country. He exemplifies what it means to be an American, consistently placing his country and fellow men before himself. I thank and commend SSG Harrell, a passionate leader with a servant's heart, for his dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Staff Sergeant Rufus Honeycutt, USMC, Retired for his dedication and commitment to our country. SSG Honeycutt's extraordinary devotion to community and service reflects the best values of Central Texas. He is a fitting and worthy recipient of a Congressional Veterans Commendation.

SSG Honeycutt enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1960, and spent six years proudly defending his country. His military career included wartime deployment with the first combat unit to see action in Vietnam and earned him numerous awards and medals including the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Vietnam Service.

Following his military career, Rufus has served those around him with boundless altruism and exemplary leadership. A profoundly respected pillar of the Round Rock community, SSG Honeycutt has dedicated his time to numerous community organizations, including six years of service on the Round Rock City Council. He continues to support fellow veterans by providing transportation to the VA, working as the Blood Drive Coordinator at Ft. Hood, and much more. He has volunteered countless hours in his community, and has consistently placed his neighbors' needs before his own. For these reasons and many more, his community came together in 2002 to honor Rufus Honeycutt as Round Rock Citizen of the Year.

SSG Honeycutt is a hero who has devoted his life to defending our freedoms abroad and serving his community at home. Dedicated public servants like him make Central Texas a great place to live. I join his family and friends in saluting his honored work and commitment to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the service and achievements of an esteemed and valued citizen of Killeen, Texas. Colonel Raul Villaronga, U.S. Army Retired, has dedicated himself to serving his community and is an embodiment of the Army values of honor, loyalty, and selfless service. He is a deserving recipient of a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

His commission as an Infantry 2nd Lieutenant in 1959 began his 24 years of service in which he completed assignments in Fort Bragg, the Panama Canal Zone, Vietnam, Germany, and Fort Hood. While assigned to the 8th Special Forces Group, he participated in numerous classified Mobile Training Teams in Central and South America. COL Villaronga deservingly received awards including the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal as a testament to his exemplary service.

COL Villaronga is a respected citizen serving in a number of roles showcasing his commitment to community and nation. Returning from the Air Force, COL Villaronga served three terms as Mayor of Killeen. As Mayor, he founded the Killeen Youth Advisory Commission and worked on the Joint Use Agreement for the Robert Gray Army Airfield. As Chairman of the Killeen League of United Latin American Citizens Council 4535 Foundation,

COL Villaronga has been responsible for the donation of over $175,000 in scholarships for local graduating seniors. He continues to serve veterans in his community alongside his wife. His tireless efforts have made Central Texas a place that we're proud to call home.

COL Villaronga's patriotism and commitment to service reflect the very best values of Central Texas. He is a hero who has devoted his life to defending our freedoms abroad and serving his community at home. I join his wife, Julia, along with his family and friends in wishing him the best in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor First Sergeant Will Williams, U.S. Army, Retired, of Round Rock, Texas, for his selfless dedication and service to our nation and his continued, unparalleled contributions to his community. I'm honored to award him a Congressional Veterans Commendation.

Following his enlistment in 1976, SGT Williams contributed 24 years of service that included deployments from Panama and Somalia, to Desert Shield and Desert Storm as an Army Ranger, Small Weapons Specialist with the 2nd Division. His commitment to keeping our nation safe is in his blood. Three generations of his family served in combat roles in the United States Army, and among the three they share 4 Bronze Star Medals.

SGT Williams' service and sense of duty did not culminate with his military service. Upon returning to Round Rock, SGT Williams dedicated his civilian life to the uplifting and betterment of his community. In 2013, he helped raise $50,000 for Dell's Children's Hospital and over $10,000 for the Ronald McDonald House. In Round Rock, SGT Williams organized a food drive, sent out a care package to deployed soldiers, and provided clothing and supplies to 300 foster kids through Project Care.

His service has been recognized and appreciated throughout the community. SGT Williams was recognized with the Service to Mankind Award by the Round Rock Sertoma Club, received the Leadership Award from the ``Heart of Texas Award'' organization, and was honored with the Governor's Lone Star Achievement Award from Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

I commend First Sergeant Will Williams' selfless service to his community and nation. His commitment to excellence and citizenship reflect the best values we hold as Americans. I join his family, friends, and colleagues in saluting his great work and dedication to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the service and achievements of an esteemed and valued citizen, Captain Dennis DeWine, U.S. Army, Retired. He has dedicated himself to his community and nation and is an embodiment of the Army values of honor, loyalty, and selfless service. CPT DeWine is a fitting and worthy recipient of a Congressional Veterans Commendation.

CPT DeWine joined the Army in 1967 as a helicopter pilot and spent the next seven years flying over the treacherous skies of Vietnam. As a testament to his valorous service, the President of the United States presented CPT DeWine with the Distinguished Flying Cross award for his actions above and beyond the call of duty. After being Honorably Discharged CPT DeWine was inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor.

CPT DeWine's leadership skills have been invaluable throughout his post-military career. After rejoining civilian life, he became the founder, broker, and president of ERA Colonial Real Estate and Colonial Residential Properties, Inc. Despite his busy schedule, CPT DeWine remains dedicated to serving his community. He can often be found in jeans and boots working alongside his friends and neighbors. CPT DeWine's passion to serve is evident through his participation and leadership in numerous organizations, such as Central Texas Voices for Life, where he serves as Chairman. CPT DeWine has also proven his commitment to serving others through his company's efforts to successfully raise $100,000 for Muscular Dystrophy.

Despite his business and charitable commitments, CPT DeWine has found time to raise a close-knit family, volunteer in community organizations, and remain active in his church. With admiration and deep respect, I pay tribute to Dennis DeWine for his sacrifices and the lasting impact he has had on his community and country.