Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Melba Jeffus of Paris, Texas, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Melba has dedicated herself to faithfully serving our community.

Growing up in the Paris, Texas, Melba graduated from Paris High School in 1962 and went on to study at Paris Jr. College after graduation. Melba started her professional career as a title clerk for the Lamar County Tax Assessor in 1963. Melba then worked for Rowland Edwards Signs in Dallas and the Boy Scouts of America while her husband enlisted in the military. Upon the birth of her daughter

Jennifer, she's served as the head room mother and PTA President. Melba then went on to work at Eastfield College, from the Financial Aid department to marketing, and ended as the IT Director. Her commitment to serving the public was recognized when she was awarded the TFRW Tribute to Women Award in 2016, the Rockwall County GOP Chairman's Award in 2017, and the RCRW Woman of Influence Award in 2019.

Melba's love for her community led her to serve the public in several capacities. She's a member of the Rockwall County Republican Women's Club, where she's held several leadership roles including Hospitality Chair, Vice President, and President. She also sat on the Rockwall Architectural Review Board and the Rockwall County Tax Appraisal Board. Melba considers her faith to be very important and was heavily involved with First Presbyterian in Mesquite for over 20 years, serving on the Board of Deacons, the Board of Elders, the Fellowship Committee, the Search Committee for Minister of Music, and as Secretary for Sunday School. Today, she is a member of First Baptist of Rockwall. I commend Melba for her dedicated service to the people of our community and wish her continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Melba with the Patriot Award for her exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Anna Campbell of Rockwall, Texas and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Anna has dedicated herself to faithfully serving our community.

Anna Campbell was born in the Panama Canal Zone to an American soldier and a Panamanian teacher, where she was raised until the signing of the Panama Canal Treaty. She then moved to the United States, growing up in the Florida Keys before moving to the great state of Texas in 1990. Anna is a proud graduate of Texas A&M Commerce, where she earned a double degree in English and Spanish. Now entering her 25th year as a teacher, she continues to proudly fulfill her passion for sharing her love of the Spanish language and culture, while helping students achieve their college degrees. In June 2020, Anna was appointed to, and then elected to the Rockwall City Council for 3 terms. She has also served as Council Liaison of several City Boards and continues to serve the wonderful citizens of Rockwall with honor. Her dedication to public service was recognized when she was awarded Williams Middle School Teacher of the Year, the Hawk Award-Most Influential Teacher of the Year twice, Region 10 Secondary Teacher of the year, the Multi-Cultural Secondary Teacher of the Year, and many others.

Anna's love for North Texas has motivated her to serve the public in several capacities, sitting on several boards of non-profit organizations that focus on raising money for college scholarships for the youth in our community. She's also served as a board member of the Rockwall County Republican Women's Club and has held additional leadership roles with the Boys and Girls Club. As the founding member and former President of the Rockwall County Hispanic Republican Club she actively reached out to the Spanish-speaking community in Rockwall with several forms of outreach I commend Anna for her dedicated service to the people of our community and wish her continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Anna with the Patriot Award for her exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Corbett Howard of Celina, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Corbett has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community.

Corbett was born in Roswell, New Mexico He received his Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Southern Nazarene University and graduated from Engineer Officer Candidate School in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. After graduation, Corbett commissioned in the United States Army and served with the Military Assistant Command, Vietnam (MACV) as an advisor for the South Vietnamese Army. For his meritorious service, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

Corbett was first elected to the Celina City Council in 1999. In 2002, he was elected to serve as the Mayor of Celina and was reelected twice. Under Corbett's leadership, Celina transformed economically through increased job growth and critical business investments. As a result of his advocacy for Celina residents, he was recognized as a top influential leader in Collin County. After his tenure as mayor, Corbett served as the Executive Director of the Celina Economic Development Corporation for ten years. He also served on the Board of the Upper Trinity Regional Water District and the McKinney Urban Transit District. He is the past President of the Preston Trail Rotary Club and the current Chairman of Government Affairs for the Celina Chamber of Commerce. Corbett currently serves as the Market President of Lamar National Bank and is a board member of the Military Warriors Support Foundation, which donates homes and cars to wounded veterans. A devoted man of faith, he attends the Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, where he has led Bible study classes for over 33 years. I am proud of the work Corbett has accomplished, and I wish him continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Corbett with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge Travis Ransom of Atlanta, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Judge Ransom has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.

A distinguished alumnus of Atlanta High School, Judge Ransom attended Texarkana College and earned his Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science at Texas A&M University at Texarkana. He began his career as a legislative aide in the Texas State Senate, a position he held for eleven years. Since May of 2022, Judge Ransom has served as Cass County Judge and was previously the Mayor of Atlanta, Texas, for five years. As Mayor, Judge Ransom lowered tax rates for Atlanta residents and fought for the creation of new jobs, improved public infrastructure, and increased economic development. He concurrently works as a Commercial Insurance Agent for Offenhauser Insurance and is a 27-year veteran of the United States Army Reserves. In the Army, Judge Ransom served as the Brigade Command Sergeant Major for the 505th Military Intelligence Brigade at Fort Sam Houston and deployed several times in support of peacekeeping and contingency operations around the world. When he returned from Afghanistan in July 2021, Judge Ransom was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service.

On top of his professional career, Judge Ransom is an active leader in our community and has served in a variety of volunteer positions. He is a current member of the Executive Board for the ARK-TEX Council of Governments and is the past president of the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council and the Atlanta Lions Club. As an Eagle Scout himself and the father of a proud Eagle Scout, Judge Ransom serves on the advisory board for the Caddo Area Council Boy Scouts of America. He is a devoted man of faith and attends First Baptist Church in Atlanta with his wife, Emily, and their three children. I'm proud of the work Judge Ransom has accomplished, and I wish him continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Judge Ransom with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Shawn Teamann of Sherman, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Shawn has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community.

Growing up in the Texoma area, Shawn graduated from Anna High School in 2000. He then went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University while playing football, on an academic and athletic scholarship. As a high school student, Shawn started a residential/commercial landscaping business. He took this business into college, until he acquired ownership in Nautilus Family Fitness, a local fitness center. Since that time, Shawn has expanded regionally, opening 7 locations all across North Texas. His political career was launched in 2016 when he was elected to the City Council in Sherman, Texas, where he served for 8 years. Today, he continues to serve the public as the Deputy Mayor of Sherman. His decorative career in public service features being awarded Community Leader of the Year in 2018, and the Ambassador of the Month award in March 2019 and February 2022 by the Sherman Chamber of Commerce. He was also named to the Herald Democrat's Texoma 40 under 40.

Shawn's dedication to public service includes serving as the secretary and treasurer of the Texoma Behavioral Health Leadership Team, a board member of the Sherman Kiwanis Club, an ex-officio board member of the Sherman Economic Development Corporations, a board member of the Sherman Chamber of Commerce, and a board member of the Lamar County Coalition of Business and Industry. Shawn is a proud member of Western Heights Church of Christ, where he serves on the Christians in Action team. I commend Shawn for his dedicated service to the people of our community and wish him continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Shawn with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Samuel ``Ray'' Huffines of Plano, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Ray has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.

Ray was born and raised in Texas, graduating from the Schreiner Institute in 1970. He earned a Business Management degree from Texas A&M in 1974 and was a member of the National Champion Freshman Military Drill

Team. Upon graduation, he worked at his family's car dealership until 1979. Ray felt a calling for public service and launched his political career as a fieldman for Ronald Reagan's Presidential Campaign from 1979 to 1980. After helping President Reagan win his election, Ray served as a personal assistant for Governor Bill Clements for four years, before going back to his family's Chevrolet dealership in 1984. He is proud to have played a part in expanding Huffines Auto Dealerships to ten dealerships across North Texas today.

Ray's exceptional work was recognized when he was awarded Business Executive of the Year in 2008 and Corporate Citizen of the Year in 2013 by the Plano Chamber of Commerce and was awarded Texas A&M University's Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2019.

Ray's commitment to service continued through his roles with the Plano Rotary Club, Chamber and Economic Development Board. Additionally, his involvement includes board membership at Dallas Baptist University, Trinity Christian Academy, and the 12th Man Foundation for Texas A&M, to name a few. Ray is a man of faith and attends Bent Tree Bible Fellowship Church. I commend Ray for his dedicated service to the people of our community and wish him continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Ray with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Sam Pack of Dallas, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Sam has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community.

Sam was born in Stephensville, Texas, and attended Tarleton State College to study business. As a young man, he worked at his family's gas station and convenience store, as well as Piggly Wiggly and Safeway. Sam began working for the Ford Motor Credit Company in 1962 and rose up the ranks to become a Branch Manager. As a result of his expertise in the automobile industry, he decided to pursue a career as a full time dealer. In February of 1980, Sam purchased Lee Jarmon Ford, now known as the Sam Pack Auto Group. For over 40 years, the Sam Pack Auto Group has continued to provide North Texas residents with excellent auto and customer care through a focus on employee success, personal growth, and community outreach.

For his outstanding entrepreneurship, Sam has received countless awards, including Business of the Year, Retailer of the Year, and the Lou Sartor Heart for the Community award. Sam Pack Auto Group won Time Magazine's Quality Dealer of the Year in 1998 and was inducted into the Ford Motor Company's Hall of Fame. In 2023, Sam earned an honorary doctorate's degree from Tarleton State University, and it has established the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business in his honor.

In addition to his professional career, Sam is involved with the Holy Angels nonprofit organization in Shreveport, Louisiana, to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For over 67 years, he has been married to his wonderful wife Carol. They have two sons, Tony and Todd, and two grandchildren, Carly and Macy. A devoted man of faith, Sam attends the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Dallas. I am proud of the work Sam has accomplished, and I wish him continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Sam with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gary Thompson of Cooper, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Gary has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.

Growing up in Lake Creek, Texas, Gary studied at the Delmar Schools and graduated from Cooper High School in 1967. He then attended East Texas State University and earned a degree in History and P.E. in 1983. Gary joined the US Navy in 1971 and served our country for over 20 years before retiring in 1995 as an E6 Petty Officer Crew Chief on a DC-9. Throughout his time in the Navy, Gary was stationed at NAS Memphis, where he was trained for 3 months, stationed at NAS Miramar in Vietnam for three and a half years and stationed at NAS Dallas during Desert Storm for three months. He continued his public service in law enforcement, serving as a Delta County Constable and Sheriff's office Investigator, and Lamar County Investigator. Today, Gary spends most of his time running his ranch.

Gary's commitment to public service continued as Commander of the American Legion, Red Henderson Post 483, where he helped initiate a local scholarship program and placed flags in local cemeteries to honor our veterans. He stays involved with his community today, sitting on the Delta County Museum Board, the Camp Shed and Mt. Joy Cemetery Board, the Red River Valley Veterans Memorial Board and the Red River Valley Tractor Club. Gary is a proud member of New Hope Church in Cooper, where he sings in the Lighthouse Gospel Quartet, and serves as the treasurer. I commend Gary for his dedicated service to the people of our community and wish him continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Gary with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on September 9, 2024 due to a family emergency and, as a result, I missed votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 401 (H.R. 1157), and YEA on Roll Call No. 402 (H.R. 8333).

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Eric Thomas Fick of Stafford, Virginia, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Eric has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.

Eric was born at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington and grew up in an Air Force family. From a young age, he had always felt a connection to our servicemembers and wanted to serve our country. Eric attended the University of Notre Dame as a member of its Air Force ROTC program and graduated in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force. Eric served in a variety of roles, including as a mechanical systems engineer for the F-16 fighter, logistics officer, flight test engineer, weapons testing officer, Air Force staff officer, and legislative liaison on Capitol Hill. He has commanded at the Squadron and Group level, and is a three-time Program Executive Officer, culminating with his last assignment from 2019 to 2022, when he was the Program Executive Officer and Director for the F-35 Lightning II Program. In this capacity, he oversaw the development, production, and sustainment of the most advanced fighter jet in the world for 3 U.S. Services, seven international partners, and seven foreign military sales customers. For his meritorious service, Eric received the Legion of Merit, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, and many more awards.

In 2022, Eric retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant General after 31 years of service. He currently serves as the President of Lyten Federal, a super materials applications company that is developing next-generation batteries to power cars, planes, and spacecraft while reducing global emissions. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Christine, his six children, and their two dogs. He also enjoys playing soccer, volleyball, and golf. Eric is an outstanding leader who has made a tremendous impact on the world around us. I am proud of the work he has accomplished, and I wish him continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Eric with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Diya Balagopal of Frisco, Texas, for her outstanding community service and advocacy for wildlife and environmental conservation.

Ms. Balagopal is currently a student at Reedy High School in Frisco, and she serves as the President of the Nature's Nurturers Club. As part of Project Green Schools, she created a project titled Preserve the Prairie, which seeks to increase community engagement and involvement in conservation efforts of the endangered Blackland Prairie ecosystem. Through Preserve the Prairie, Ms. Balagopal led the campaign to inform Texans about the importance of the Blackland Prairie and distributed thousands of seeds balls. This has resulted in over 5,000 native Blackland Prairie plants being restored to their natural habitat.

For her exceptional efforts, Ms. Balagopal has been recognized by Jeff Cheney, the Mayor of Frisco, and presented with the prestigious Green Difference Award at the Department of Energy. The Green Difference Award honors extraordinary students who have made significant contributions to environmental conservation initiatives. I am proud of the work Ms. Balagopal has accomplished, and I'm confident she will continue to make a positive impact on the world around us.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol in recognition of Ms. Balagopal's leadership and excellence. I wish her the best of luck and continued success in the new school year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Eric Thomas Fick of Stafford, Virginia, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Eric has dedicated himself to faithfully our community and country.

Eric was born at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington and grew up in an Air Force family. From a young age, he had always felt a connection to our servicemembers and wanted to serve our country. Eric attended the University of Notre Dame as part of its Air Force ROTC program and graduated in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force. Eric served in a variety of roles, including as a mechanical systems engineer for the F-16 fighter, logistics officer, test pilot, weapons testing officer, global outreach director, and legislative liaison on Capitol Hill. From 2019 to 2022, he was the Program Executive Officer and Director for the F-35 Lightning II Program and oversaw the development of the most advanced fighter jet in the world. For his meritorious service, Eric received the Legion of Merit, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, and many more awards.

In 2022, Eric retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant General after 31 years of service. He currently serves as the President of Lyten Federal, a super materials applications company that is developing next-generation batteries to power cars, planes, and spacecraft while reducing global emissions. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his two dogs and playing soccer, volleyball, and golf. Eric is an outstanding leader who has made a tremendous impact on the world around us. I am proud of the work he has accomplished, and I wish him continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Eric with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Debby Clark of Frisco, Texas, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Debby has faithfully dedicated herself to serving our community.

Debby was born in Central City, Iowa where she started playing the organ for local churches while in junior high. As a pipe organ major, she graduated from Cornell College in 1973 with a Bachelor of Music Education. It is on the campus of her alma mater that she met her husband, Bob, and they later married. Debby taught grades K-8 in Schaumburg, Illinois for five years. She has taught piano privately for over thirty years, which allowed her to raise two beautiful daughters. Emily and Abigail, and works with her family insurance business.

Debby has been actively involved in her community as evidenced by her work with both the Plano and Frisco Chambers of Commerce and was recognized by Frisco as Ambassador of the year. She is a graduate of Plano Leadership Class 17, served on the city of Frisco CPAC committee, Frisco Area Republican Women's group, and volunteered with the National Charity League and Rainbow girls for many years. She has spent 35 years as a church organist, partnering with her husband whenever possible. She is a dedicated mother and grandmother, and her nurturing spirit is felt within the community by everyone who meets her.

I am proud to recognize my friend, Debby, today and am confident she will continue to make a positive impact in our community for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Debby with the Patriot Award for her exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Robert ``Bob'' Clark of Frisco, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. He has dedicated himself to serving and uplifting our community.

Bob was born and raised in Iowa and, with music in his DNA, he quickly found his talent at the keyboard. Winning piano competitions turned his talent to passion so he attended Cornell College and graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Music, Piano Performance degree. He met his wife, Debby, on the campus and then the two were married in 1973. Together they raised two independent daughters and have two grandchildren. Bob was drawn to the insurance agency as a means to make a living while having the freedom to stay active in music. He is President of Clark Insurance Advisors Frisco, a business that centers on providing health insurance expertise and employee benefits advice to small and privately held businesses.

Bob is active in community service and previously served on the board of Frisco Parks & Recreation, graduated from Leadership Frisco Class 12, and both Citizens Fire and Police Academy. He has been a Rotarian for over 20 years, a member of the Frisco Chamber for 12 years and has dedicated countless hours to local politics, helping shape the landscape of the city. Bob's musical passion is a gift that he shares with his community in so many ways. He has been a church choir director and director of music for almost 30 years, from Roselle United Methodist in Illinois to First Christian Church in Plano, a journey he shares with his wife. I commend Bob for his long-term commitment to working to advance his city and county and am grateful to have served by his side in Leadership Frisco and to call him friend.

It is an honor to bestow Bob with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Thomas McCall of Frisco, Texas and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. He has served and uplifted our community through his leadership and dedication.

Tom was born and raised in Yonkers, NY. Due to life hardships, he was quickly educated in the meaning of mortgage payment and food on the table. He attended Manhattan College, graduating in 1972 with a BSBA in Accounting and his CPA designation, which led to the beginning of a long and prosperous career in which he earned a reputation as a determined account executive. Over 30 plus years of work, Tom had multiple assignments but only 3 employers. He launched his own business. McCall Asset Management, in 1998 in Frisco, TX and it is still going strong. Tom met his wife, Karen, during college and they married in 1975. They raised 2 kids and have 2 wonderful grandchildren.

Throughout his career, Tom has been present in his community through his charitable giving of time, talent and treasure as seen in his involvement with Boy Scouts of America, Leadership Council, St. Baldrick's Children's Cancer Research, Hope for Vision, and Serving HIM (Healthcare International Ministries). A devoted man of faith, Tom attends Holy Cross Catholic Church The Colony with his wife, Karen, where he serves as Volunteer Finance Chair. on the Pastoral Council

and as an Educator. Since 1985 he has been actively involved with Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree, and is a past Trustee. He lives the Catholic Christian life of servitude. I am proud of Tom's lifelong contributions to our community, and I wish him continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Tom with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of North Texas.