Floor Statements

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

Ann was born in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1952. She attended the University of Miami, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Education in 1974 and went on to earn a Master of Education in 1976. Relocation to Houston, Texas allowed Ann to obtain a job teaching physical education in Middle School. After 3 years, she transferred to Spring Branch ISD to become the Head Women's Varsity Basketball Coach. During this time, she met the Houston Rockets' Coach, Del Harris, whom she married in 1987. They moved several times, including to Milwaukee and LA, before returning to Texas, ultimately settling in Frisco in 2000.

Since then, Ann has been actively involved with numerous community organizations in North Texas. She served as the Development Chair for the Frisco expansion of City House and cofounded both The Frisco Giving Tree and StepUP Frisco. She was selected as one of the Top Ten Women in Collin County, received the Spirit of Frisco Award from the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, and was named Person of the Year in 2022 by Frisco Style Magazine. Ann is strong in her faith, attending Gateway Church in Frisco, recognizing her greatest pride as her husband, their 5 children and grandchildren and that all have become believers in Christ.

I'm confident Ann will continue to make a positive impact in our community through her passion and commitment to bringing awareness to and supporting those in financial crises and homelessness for many years to come.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Thomas Dillon of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Thomas has dedicated himself to faithfully serving his community.

Thomas was born in Pittsfield and attended Pittsfield High School. He graduated from Boston College in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and received his master's degree in teaching from Cambridge College. After graduation, Thomas worked in the Philippines for three years as part of the Peace Corps, where he taught math and science. When he returned home, he began teaching mathematics at his alma mater, Pittsfield High School. Thomas also served as an advisor for several classes and the Student Council while also helping to organize the annual graduation ceremony.

After teaching for 34 years, Thomas retired and began working part- time as the work-based learning coordinator at Pittsfield High. He began working as a counselor and advocate for Project Reconnect to help disadvantaged youth access education, housing, and rehabilitation programs. Additionally, Thomas served as a director and chairperson for Credit Union of the Berkshires for many years. He is a devoted man of faith and attends St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Pittsfield. In his free time, Thomas is passionate about traveling and has visited many countries around the world. I'm proud to call Thomas a good friend and mentor. He has made numerous positive impacts on our community, and I wish him the best for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Thomas with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of Pittsfield.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate the life of Coach George ``Buddy'' Pellerin of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Coach Pellerin peacefully passed away on July 4, 2016.

Coach Pellerin was born on January 9, 1939, in Pittsfield. He attended St. Joseph's High School, where he played baseball and achieved All Berkshire Baseball Player status. In 1962, Coach Pellerin graduated from North Adams State College. During his senior year, Coach Pellerin served as a player-coach, which led him to launch a legendary coaching career spanning over five decades. He successfully led several high school baseball, softball, and football teams to numerous state championships and was known for his confidence, professionalism, and charismatic leadership style. For his outstanding work and contributions to the city, Coach Pellerin was inducted into the Massachusetts Coach Hall of Fame, the UNICO Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Hall of Fame. The Buddy Pellerin Field at Clapp Park has also been designated in his honor.

After he retired from the Pittsfield School Department in 2000, Coach Pellerin volunteered as a Little League coach and for the Babe Ruth All Stars team. He also led summer baseball camps at the local Boy's and Girls Club for fifteen years and founded the Rip City Training Center in Pittsfield. Rip City grants scholarships for students to train at the center and excel in their academic and professional careers. In addition to his famed coaching career, Coach Pellerin was most proud of being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. I'm proud to recognize Coach Pellerin for making a positive impact on our community and inspiring countless students and athletes to succeed.

It is an honor to bestow Coach Pellerin with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of Pittsfield. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Coach Michael Murgo of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Coach Murgo has dedicated himself to faithfully serving and uplifting his community.

A native of Bristol, Rhode Island, Coach Murgo attended Colt Memorial High School and Brewster Academy. During this time, he discovered his passion for sports, and this inspired him to study physical education. In 1969, Coach Murgo graduated from the University of Rhode Island, where he was recognized for his athletic abilities and distinction in football. As such, he was selected to play professional football for the Providence Steamrollers. Coach Murgo began working for the Pittsfield Public School System in 1972 as a physical education teacher, a role he held for over 35 years. He also served as the football coach for Pittsfield High School for 17 years and led his students to success through physical fitness, teamwork, and discipline.

On top of his professional career, Coach Murgo worked diligently to support his four children so that they had the opportunity to pursue their interests. He is married to his wife, Ellen, and they will celebrate 52 years of wonderful marriage this year. I am pleased to recognize Coach Murgo for a lifetime of service as a teacher, coach, and mentor for our youth. His contributions to our community have been nothing short of outstanding, and I wish him continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Coach Murgo with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of Pittsfield.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. JoAnne Soules of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. JoAnne has dedicated herself to faithfully serving and uplifting her community.

JoAnne was born in Pittsfield and attended Pittsfield High School. In 1969, she graduated from Elms College with a bachelor's degree in history. JoAnne also obtained her master's degree in educational administration and leadership from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She later taught social studies at South Junior High, now known as Herberg Middle School. In 1994, JoAnne transferred to Pittsfield High, where she taught history before being appointed to serve as the Dean of Students and Vice Principal. After retiring in 2006,

JoAnne was asked to serve as interim principal for the 2009-2010 school year, which she happily accepted. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to serving her students and staff, and this did not go unnoticed. JoAnne has run into former students many years later who fondly remember her class and the positive impact she made on them as an educator.

In addition to her professional career, JoAnne has given back to her community in many ways. She volunteered at local soup kitchens and provided patient outreach at Berkshire Medical Center through her church to help those in need. She is married to her husband Harry, and together, they raised two wonderful children and have many more grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with them and rescuing senior dogs so that they can spend the rest of their years in a warm and loving home. I'm proud to recognize JoAnne today a lifetime of public service and contributions to our community. She has inspired countless students to be successful and live fulfilling lives.

It is an honor to bestow JoAnne with the Patriot Award for her exceptional service to the people of Pittsfield.

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

Heather was born in Waco, Texas in 1977 and moved to Carrollton in 1980 where she resided until she married her husband, Jason. She graduated from the University of North Texas in 2002 with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree and then moved to Frisco in 2005 where she raised her two children, Macy and Caleb. Heather has been President of Lone Star Benefits since 2000, buying the agency 4 years ago and building a thriving employee benefits agency with her husband.

Since her move to Frisco, she has been actively involved with numerous community and political organizations in North Texas. Heather's strength is not only due to her love of lifting weights, but also evidenced by her service to the city through roles on the boards of Frisco Community Development Corporation, Frisco Chamber of Commerce and Frisco Family Services. She is invested in our youth and schools as a District Improvement Committee and Mindbender Academy Committee member. Heather's philanthropic passion is notable, as her family and business support organizations such as National Breast Cancer Foundation, Community Council of Greater Dallas and Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic.

I am proud to recognize Heather today for her outstanding efforts to support those in need and uplift those she works with. I'm confident she will continue to make a positive impact in our community for many years to come.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Curtis Fendley of Paris, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. For over four decades, Curtis has served and uplifted our community through his leadership and dedication.

Curtis was born and raised in Paris, TX. He graduated from Texas A&M University, where he received his BBA in Accounting and MBA in Finance. Curtis began his career as a Cost Accountant for Rockwall International and Uarco Business Forms. He worked his way up to become the Chief Financial Officer for Christus Health and Saint Joseph Hospital in Paris. Curtis currently serves as a Partner at Pierson & Fendley Insurance Agency and Vice Chair of the Paris Economic Development Corporation.

Throughout his career, Curtis has continued to be an active member of our community in many ways. In 2003, he was elected to serve as the Mayor of Paris. For three years, Curtis oversaw Paris' successful economic development and business growth. Additionally, he previously served as the President of Lamar County Chamber of Commerce and United Way. For his outstanding work, Curtis was named a Hometown Hero in 2009 by The Independent Insurance Agents of Texas. The Lamar County Chamber of Commerce also recognized Curtis as Volunteer of the Year in 2016 and 2017. A devoted man of faith, Curtis attends Holy Cross Episcopal Church with his wife, Barbara. I am proud of Curtis's lifelong contributions to our community, and I wish him continued success for many years to come.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jackie King ``Jack'' Ashmore of Reno, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Jack has dedicated himself to faithfully serving out community and country.

As a child, Jack was always fascinated with aviation and began flying at the age of 7 with his uncle. After graduating from Paris High School in 1947, Jack joined the United States

Navy while enrolled at Paris Junior College. He began flight training in 1949 and graduated from aviation school the following year. Jack flew combat tours during the Korean War and was stationed onboard the USS Sicily and USS Rendova aircraft carriers in the Sea of Japan. During the Vietnam War, he became the commander of Attack Squadron 22 and flew 254 combat missions. For his heroic actions in combat, Jack received numerous awards, including the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, the Legion of Merit, fourteen Air Medals, and two Navy Commendation Medals. He later earned his master's degree in international affairs from George Washington University.

In July 1973, Jack retired from the Navy as a Captain. He had been working for the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. In civilian life, Jack continued his passion of flying while volunteering in our community. He conducted flights for police departments, schools, and individuals in need across North Texas. Jack previously served on the advisory board for Paris Airport and the City of Reno. He is a current board member of the Paris Junior College Alumni & Friends Association. For his outstanding contributions, Jack was recognized in 2017 as a distinguished graduate of Paris High School and inducted into Paris Junior College's Academic Hall of Honor. He also received the Federal Aviation Administration's prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award to mark over 50 years of excellent flight. I wish Jack continued success and good health for many years to come.

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

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

Dr. Ganguly first trained as a physician in India, his country of birth, where he taught medicine in New Delhi. After moving to the United States with his wife, Dr. Ragini Ganguly, he completed his residency at St. Lukes Roosevelt Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Ganguly also attended the Jewish Parker Institute of Long Island Jewish Hospital for fellowship training in Geriatric Medicine. In 1999, Dr. Ganguly and his family moved to Texas, where he became an active practitioner based in Paris. Throughout his career, Dr. Ganguly has worked diligently to raise awareness about the opioid crisis and help others reduce their dependence on opioids. Moreover, he led his team of dedicated nurse practitioners to care for elderly patients in nursing homes during the pandemic.

Separately, Dr. Ganguly mentors and teaches college students, trainee physicians, and nurses using a combination of traditional and modern medicine. He is passionate about community advocacy and often engages with policymakers to discuss the issues of national security, international and domestic policy, and healthcare issues. As a fellow of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Ganguly promotes community wellbeing and works with numerous charities to support children, veterans, and animals. I am pleased to recognize Dr. Ganguly for his outstanding efforts to provide quality care for senior citizens and improve the world around us.

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

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

Brian was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and attended Del City High School. He served in the United States Army from 1982 to 1991 as a Howitzer Section Chief and Field Artillery Instructor. After leaving the Army, Brian obtained his Journeyman Plumbing and Gas Fitting license. He later began a 20-year career auditing and risk management at several large financial institutions, where he held leadership positions. In 2021, Brian received his bachelor's degree in applied management from Grand Canyon University. He is certified as an Internal Control Auditor and currently works as a Regulatory Compliance and Operational Risk consultant at Forvis Mazars USA, a top 10 accounting firm.

Alongside his professional career, Brian serves as the Director of Family Outreach for Memories of Honor, a nonprofit organization devoted to honoring fallen veterans and supporting Gold Star families. Brian works closely with several nonprofits, including the Frontline Healing Foundation, Warrior's Heart, and the One Tribe Foundation, to support veteran communities. In addition, he served as a running coach for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation for many years to raise awareness and funds to help tackle these diseases. I am proud of the work Brian has accomplished for our community, and I wish him continued success for many years to come.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Drusilla ``Dru'' Wade Newman of Frisco, Texas, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Dru has dedicated herself to faithfully serving our community.

Dru is a fourth-generation resident of Frisco and graduated from Frisco High School in 1974. She earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education from Baylor University in 1978. For over 45 years, Dru has been a fantastic community leader and passionate advocate for youth education. She worked closely with the Frisco Education Foundation to help provide students with scholarships. Furthermore, Dru mentored young adults at her church while being involved in local parent-teacher associations and booster clubs.

In addition to her work on education, Dru has continued to be involved in charitable efforts in Frisco to help families in need. She participated in mission trips around the world to support humanitarian efforts and share her faith. Dru also worked with the Frisco Heritage Association to organize and fundraise for their annual Heritage Days event, which highlights the beauty and rich history of the city. She has a servant's heart, and her generosity and kindness has not gone unnoticed by those around her. In her free time, Dru is an avid sports fan, and she enjoys cheering for the Baylor Bears. Along with her husband Jim, she attends Frisco First Baptist Church. I am proud of the work Dru has accomplished for our community, and I wish her continued success for many years to come.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jim Randell Newman of Frisco, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Jim has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community.

A fifth-generation resident of Frisco, Jim attended Frisco High School and graduated in 1975. Two years later, he graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural economics. In 1978, Jim married the love of his life, Dru, and they raised two children. That same year, he established Newman Real Estate to manage property developments around Frisco and became a certified Property Tax Consultant shortly after. For nearly five decades, Jim has worked diligently to support the youth in our community and empower them to be successful. He firmly believes that our Nation's children is our greatest asset, and he has made good on his promise to ensure they receive positive guidance in life. Jim has mentored high school students while working with school bands, sports clubs, and school bond programs

Furthermore, Jim is passionate about community service and the conservation of nature. He was a member of the North American Mission Board, the Texas Mission Foundation, and Christian Hands in Action to help provide disaster relief and humanitarian aid for families in need. Jim also served as a dedicated RA director at Frisco First Baptist Church for many years. For his outstanding work in community and business development, Jim was presented with the Micro Business Award, the Small Business Award, and the Developer of the Year Award by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. In his free time, he is a devoted outdoorsman and enjoys hunting and fishing. I am proud of Jim's contributions to our community, and I am sure he will continue to make a positive impact on the world around us.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Turner Industries' pipe fabrication facility in Paris, Texas. Turner Industries specializes in innovative industrial contracting to fully meet client needs while prioritizing safety, efficiency, and reliability.

Turner Industries was first established in 1961 by Bert Turner, a young engineer with an entrepreneurial vision. Over the years, it has expanded its presence along the Gulf Coast and offered additional services, including construction, transportation, maintenance, and steel fabrication. In 1998, Turner opened its state-of-the-art pipe fabrication facility in Paris with over 375 acres of space. Each pipe assembled here is precision-built to support power generation facilities, refineries, and petrochemical plants across the nation.

For its outstanding work, Turner Industries has been recognized as the number one industrial contractor in the Associated Builders and Contractors' Top 250 Contractors list. It has also been honored by the Construction Users Roundtable and presented with the prestigious Construction Industry Safety Excellence Award three times for its commitment to employee safety.

In addition to serving as a critical energy backbone for our nation, Turner employs over 20,000 hardworking professionals across its facilities. It has invested in a new Operations Building at its Paris facility, which will greatly contribute to the North Texas workforce and community. I would like to especially recognize Mr. Chris Bailey, who serves as the Plant Manager and Vice President for Turner's Paris operations. Mr. Bailey has dedicated himself to building and supporting educational programs in the North Texas community.

I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize this historic occasion and investment for the people of District 4. Congratulations to Tuner Industries, and I wish them the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge Brandon Bell of Paris, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Judge Bell has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community.

Judge Bell is a seventh generation Texan who was born in Paris, Texas. In 1999, he graduated from Texas A&M University at Commerce with a Bachelor of Professional Accountancy. Judge Bell later received his Juris Doctor from SMU Dedman School of Law in 2004. He initially clerked for Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater, the chief U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Texas, before being admitted to the Texas State Bar in November 2004. Judge Bell is licensed as an attorney and Certified Public Accountant. He began his lengthy legal career at Boyd Veigel and specializes in family law, criminal defense, and tax law. In 2019, Judge Bell was elected as Lamar County Judge. In addition to presiding over criminal and civil matters, he is passionate about granting foster parents the opportunity to become the legal guardians for disabled children.

Separately, Judge Bell is involved in numerous charitable initiatives. He previously served on the board of the New Hope Center of Paris and coaches Dixie Youth Baseball in his free time. He is also a member of the Roan Oak Masonic Lodge and the Dallas Scottish Rite. Judge Bell is a devoted man of faith, and he attends South Side Baptist Church with his wife, Amanda, and his two children. I commend Judge Bell for his lifelong commitment to serving our community and empowering foster families. His efforts have helped many underprivileged children find a caring and loving home.

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

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

Peter was born in 1960 in Kingston, Jamaica. At a young age, his family moved to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, New York. In October 1978, Peter enlisted into the United States Army Signal Corps, where he served in various leadership roles. His service took him around the world, including South Korea, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia. In 1999, Peter retired from the Army and joined the telecommunications industry. He obtained his Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and completed the Entrepreneurial Development program at the University of Texas at Dallas. In 2020, Peter founded The Bridge Delivery Service, which works closely with Amazon Logistics to ensure the timely delivery of packages for North Texas residents.

At the same time, Peter is actively involved in numerous charitable and educational initiatives to benefit our community. He is a board member for the Frisco Education Foundation, Junior Achievement of Dallas, and Be In Health Foundation, where he leads efforts to improve youth entrepreneurship and provide scholarships for students in need. Peter is also a devoted man of faith, and he is the Youth Director at Friendship Baptist Church of The Colony. For his outstanding work, Peter was recognized as Citizen of the Year in 2014 by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce and named 2017 Person of the Year by Frisco Style Magazine. In addition, he was named as Frisco's Distinguished Veteran of the Year in 2019 and received the prestigious Congressional Veteran Commendation. I am proud of the work Peter has accomplished, and I wish him continued success for many years to come.

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