Lance Gooden

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the dedication of the new Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in Kaufman County, Texas. Thanks to the work of the Kaufman County Gold Star Committee and the Woody Williams Foundation, this monument will forever recognize the brave men, women, and families who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation's freedom and security.

On September 27, 2026, citizens, veterans, and community leaders will gather in Kaufman County for the official dedication of this monument, creating a sacred space of remembrance, gratitude, and healing. This ceremony, which will be held at Kaufman County Veterans Memorial Park, will serve as a profound opportunity to honor our resilient Gold Star Families, whose profound sacrifice, enduring grief, and unwavering patriotism embody the highest virtues of citizenship and devotion to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Sergeant Major Larry L. Lentzner, a United States Marine whose extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty during the Vietnam War exemplify the highest ideals of the United States Marine Corps.

While serving with Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines near the Que Son Mountains in the Republic of Vietnam, then Staff Sergeant Lentzner and his fellow Marines were ambushed by a North Vietnamese Army force that significantly outnumbered their unit. Staff Sergeant Lentzner was struck by enemy fire and suffered devastating wounds to both legs.

Despite his injuries, he continued returning fire and directing his Marines, even as he periodically lost consciousness. Staff Sergeant Lentzner underwent multiple surgeries and extensive reconstruction of both legs. Determined to return to duty, he defied his medical prognosis and taught himself to walk again. Sergeant Major Lentzner would go on to honorably serve our Nation and the Marine Corps for another 25 years.

It is my privilege to recognize Sergeant Major Lentzner for his distinguished service to the United States. I extend our deepest gratitude to him, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his extraordinary service and sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the historic life and accomplishments of Texas State Representative Betty Jo Brown. Representative Brown passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the age of 86. A native of my hometown of Terrell, Representative Brown was Terrell High School Class of 1957 Salutatorian, and a graduate of Southern Methodist University.

Representative Brown dedicated much of her life to serving our shared community and the State of Texas. During her six terms in the Texas State House of Representatives, she served on several committees, including Elections, Redistricting, and Agriculture and Livestock, and was a faithful servant of Hunt, Kaufman, and Henderson counties.

Outside her career in the state legislature, Representative Brown built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others with her husband of more than 63 years, Ronald George Brown, who preceded her in death in 2022. She was also an active member of Russell Memorial United Methodist Church and Wills Point International Outreach Church, where she participated in the choir, handbell choir, children's ministry, and where she also served as a worship leader.

She is survived by her children, Rhonda Cobern, Greg Brown, and Emily Pogue; her grandchildren, Tarryn Cobern Hatcher, Tory Cobern, Simpson, Tabor Cobern, Denton Brown, Sophia Brown, Samantha Pogue, Lincoln Pogue, and Meredith Pogue; and her great-grandchildren, Jewel, Denver, Luke, Grayson, Grace, and Mason. Representative Brown's legacy will not be forgotten. I extend my deepest sympathies to her family, and I appreciate the profound impact of her lifelong commitment to our community.