Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Kyle Frazer and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Kyle is currently a Major in the United States Army and served as my Defense Fellow from January 2023 to December 2023. With his help, we were able to include numerous provisions in the FY '24 National Defense Authorization Act to support our warfighters and ensure the United States remains the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen.

Kyle has an extensive military background as an infantry officer to include service with the 82nd Airborne Division. True to his Ranger Creed, he has continuously risen to the occasion during his service to include the new challenges he faced as a defense fellow. During his time with my office, Kyle was an essential element of our defense team and set the bar high for all future fellows.

Kyle's efforts will be felt throughout my district and the country, as he delivered critical safety upgrades for Army vehicles and helped me introduce legislation to ensure veterans receive the quality mental health care they deserve. I commend Kyle for his dedication to taking care of our servicemembers and veterans. I have no doubt that he will continue to excel as a member of the Army's House Legislative Liaison Division. I wish him continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Kyle 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. Robin Phillips of Sherman, Texas, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Robin has dedicated herself to serving and uplifting our community.

Robin attended Baylor University and graduated in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in interior design. She initially began her career in the commercial design field before transitioning to the real estate industry. For over twenty years, Robin has continued to provide real estate services in North Texas and Oklahoma, and she previously served as the President of the Greater Texoma Association of Realtors. Moreover, Robin was a board member for Sherman ISD's Parent-Teacher Association for over 18 years, where she led efforts to help parents better connect with their children's educators.

While working in real estate, Robin continues to be actively involved in out community in many ways. She was appointed by the Governor to serve as the Red River Compact Commissioner and ensure that Texas receives an equitable share of resources from the Red River in conjunction with nearby states. Additionally, Robin is the current Precinct Chair for the Grayson County Republican Party and works closely with the Grayson College Foundation, the Grayson County Republican Women, the Sherman Historical Preservation Board, and many others. Along with her husband, Larry, she attends the Post Oak Fellowship Church in Sherman. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. I am proud to recognize Robin today for her fantastic work and extensive community involvement. I wish her continued success for many years to come.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Robin McCoy of Howe, Texas, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Robin has dedicated herself to serving and uplifting our community.

Robin is a graduate of Austin College, where she received a bachelor's degree in political science. She later earned a master's degree in gerontology from the University of North Texas. After several years of living in Scotland with her husband, she returned to the U.S. Initially, Robin worked for the Area Agency on Aging in the Texoma region before working closely with several Texas state senators to serve the constituents of Grayson County. She also taught finance and constitutional studies courses for many years at local schools.

Robin is also actively involved in numerous political and community organizations. She served as a Precinct Chair for the Grayson County Republican Party to help educate and mobilize individuals to be more involved in the political process. For her outstanding work, Robin was recognized as the GOP Volunteer of the Year for Grayson County and awarded the title of Howe Chamber Volunteer of the Year. She also received proclamations from the Texas House and Senate for her services to the community. In her free time, Robin enjoys skeet shooting, spending time with her grandchildren, and strengthening her faith in Christ. I commend Robin for her generous contributions to our community, and I am confident she will continue to make a positive impact on the world around us.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Justin McCareins of Whitewright, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Justin is a former professional athlete and public servant who has dedicated himself to serving and protecting our community.

Justin grew up in Chicago's suburbs and attended Northern Illinois University. While at NIU, he played college football and set numerous records for receptions, yards, and touchdowns. After graduating in 2001 with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Communication, Justin was drafted by the NFL to play as a Wide Receiver and Kick Returner for the Tennessee Titans. He briefly played for the New York Jets from 2004 to 2008 before returning to the Titans for an additional year. During this time, he successfully led his teams to the playoffs for five of his eight years in the league. For his impressive accomplishments and record, Justin was inducted into the NIU Hall of Fame in 2011 and ranked in the top 10 among NIU's 50 Greatest Players in Huskie Stadium history. In recognition of his philanthropy to NIU, the university has established the Justin & Sherrone McCareins Auditorium at their state-of-the-art Academic and Athletic Performance Center.

After playing for the NFL, Justin began his public service career in 2009 as a law enforcement officer for the city of Coral Springs, Florida. During his six-year tenure as a patrol officer, he worked closely with other police units to effectively enforce criminal law and serve his community. In 2015, Justin moved to Frisco to assist his brother Jay in opening MAC Speed and Strength to train elite athletes. He also volunteered as an assistant football coach at McKinney Christian Academy for two years. Currently, Justin manages a large ranch in Whitewright alongside his wife Sherrone. Together, they raise a variety of animals and generously donate food and other goods to underprivileged families. I am proud of the work Justin has accomplished for our community and his continued support for those in need.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Peter Munson of Pottsboro, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Peter is an experienced jurist and litigator who has dedicated himself to serving and uplifting our community.

Peter was born in Sherman, Texas, in 1944. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1967 with a Bachelor of Business

Administration and obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas in 1970. Since then, Peter has continuously engaged in civil trial law and maintains several office locations across Grayson County. He is also board certified in Family Law and licensed to practice before the US Supreme Court. In 1984, former Governor Mark White appointed Peter to serve as a life member of the Uniform Law Commission to help clarify state statutory law.

Throughout his extensive legal career, Peter has continued to be actively involved in numerous charitable organizations to benefit students and individuals in need. He is a current Trustee for the Austin College Board and was the former Director of the Denison and Sherman Chambers of Commerce. Moreover, he previously served in leadership roles for Grayson United Way, Grayson Salvation Army, and Boy Scouts of America. A devoted man of faith, Peter attends the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Denison with his wife, Kathleen, I am proud to recognize Peter today for his lifelong commitment to uphold the rule of law and fight for justice.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge Lawrence ``Larry'' Phillips of Sherman, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Judge Phillips currently serves the 59th District Court in Grayson County, and he has dedicated himself to serving and uplifting our community.

A graduate of Baylor University, Judge Phillips attended law school at the University of Houston. In 2003, he was elected to serve in the Texas House of Representatives for the 62nd District, a position he held for over fifteen years. While in the legislature, Judge Phillips chaired numerous committees and served in leadership positions for the Southern Legislative Conference, the Council of State Governments, and the Red River Boundary Commission.

In 2019, Judge Phillips won a special election to serve on the 59th District Court after being appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to fill a vacancy in the previous year. He presides over felony criminal, civil, family, and juvenile matters, including the STAR Recovery Court program. Additionally, Judge Phillips conducts judicial oversight through his positions as Administrative Judge and Chair of the Bail Bond Board. He is the current President of the Texas Association of Specialty Courts and the former President of the Federal Eastern District of Texas Bar Association. Judge Phillips is a devoted man of faith, and he attends the Post Oak Fellowship Church in Sherman with his wonderful wife Robin. He enjoys serving in their children's church ministry, traveling, gardening, and spending time

with his grandchildren. I commend Judge Phillips for his commitment to upholding the rule of law and improving the world around us.

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

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

Mark is a graduate of the Hobe Sound Bible College in Florida, where he received a bachelor's degree in educational administration in 1970. He began working at the Wright-Patterson AFB Medical Center's Radiation Oncology facility that same year while completing postgraduate studies. Mark later received his Master of Science in Radiological Physics from Ohio State University and a Master of Health Administration from Washington University. Throughout his extensive career, he has published numerous studies on the topic of oncology and worked diligently to bring us one step closer to defeating cancer. From 2007 to 2012, Mark served as the Director for Physics and Technology Services at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida.

When he retired in 2013, Mark continued to make an impact on our community in many different ways. He actively volunteers for the Grayson County Republican Party and is a member of the Conservative Men's Club of Texoma. Additionally, Mark works closely with the Southwest Conference of the Bible Methodist Church and devotes himself to strengthening his faith, family, and love of country. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning history, woodworking, and flying. In fact, Mark is a licensed commercial pilot and a former certified flight instructor. I am proud of the work he has accomplished for 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 Mark with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Mike Shaw of Denison, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Mike has dedicated himself to serving and uplifting our community.

Mike grew up in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles. From a young age, he maintained a strong commitment to helping others and serving our nation in any way he can. In 1958, Mike joined the United States Marine Corps, where he specialized in operating sophisticated communications technology. With his new skills in hand, he began a career as a communications technician on the Distant Early Warning (DEW) line, a network of radar stations located in the U.S., Canada, and Greenland. His efforts helped protect our national security and allowed the United States to effectively detect incoming Soviet aircraft and prepare a response.

After spending two years in the Arctic, Mike returned home and worked as a field engineer in the oil fields of Texas and Louisiana. He also served as a technical representative for the U.S. Army Signal Corps during the Vietnam War before going back to working on the DEW Line for an additional five years. In 1999, Mike retired and moved to Denison with his family, where he volunteered at local museums in various capacities. He served as the President of the Denison Genealogical Society and was the Precinct 201 Chair for the Grayson County Republican Party. For his extensive work and efforts to uphold conservative values, the GCRP awarded Mike the Eisenhower Award and the Chairman's Award in 2015 and 2020, respectively. In his free time, he enjoys studying history, genealogy, and collecting artifacts. I am proud to recognize Mike today for his outstanding contributions to our community.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Representative Reginald ``Reggie'' Smith of Van Alstyne, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Reggie is an experienced litigator and current member of the Texas House of Representatives for District 62.

Reggie is a 6th generation Texan and was born in Sherman. In 1991, he graduated from Austin College with a degree in political science. He later received his law degree from South Texas College of Law in 1994 and was admitted into the State Bar. In 2003, Reggie founded Reginald B. Smith Jr. PLLC, which specializes in family and civil law. Over the years, he has successfully practiced family law

and was recognized as ``Best in Texoma'' by the publishers of the Sherman Herald-Democrat for three consecutive years.

Before he was first elected to the Texas House in 2018, Reggie served as the Chairman of the Grayson County Republican Party and the Northern Regional Director of the Texas Republican County Chairman's Association. As a legislator, he serves on the Appropriations Committee and Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee. Throughout his time in the Texas House, Reggie has consistently fought to protect the unborn, lower taxes, defend our Constitutional rights, promote individual liberty, and support our schools and educators. He is actively involved in charitable organizations and previously served on the board of Big Brother Big Sisters and Friends of Scouting with the Texoma Valley Boy Scouts. Along with his family, Reggie attends the First Baptist Church in Van Alstyne. Without question, he has accomplished so much for our community and the State of Texas. I am proud to call Reggie a good friend of mine, and I wish him continued success for many years to come.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Coach Steve Simmons of Sherman, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Steve has dedicated himself to serving and uplifting our community.

Steve was born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1955. Throughout his childhood, he frequently moved around the country with his family until they finally settled in Anna, Texas. In high school, Steve was an active member of his school's football team and had a desire to play college football. His football coach, Hal Porter, had a tremendous impact on young Steve. Coach Porter's influential leadership style inspired Steve to say, ``I want to be special to my kids like he is special to us.'' From that day on, Steve knew he wanted to become a football coach himself and make a difference in the lives of our youth.

After graduating from high school in 1973, Steve attended McMurry University and pursued a coaching-teaching career while playing football. He married the love of his life, Doreen, in 1978. They moved to Van Alstyne, where Steve kickstarted his football coaching career at Van Alstyne ISD. He also coached at Chillicothe and Celina before joining the United States Marine Corps Reserves. While in the Marines, Steve earned the rank of Corporal and received a Marksmanship Award while continuing to coach football. He credits his strong faith in God to guiding him towards a long-term coaching opportunity at Howe ISD. For his dedication and efforts, he was named Campus Teacher of the Month twice and was recognized as Teacher of the Month by KLAKE Radio. Steve was also inducted into the Howe Hall of Honor and selected as one of the top educators in Howe LSD's history. From helping to fundraise, driving students on field trips, and speaking at pep rallies, Steve has made a wonderful impact on the lives of our children while strengthening his faith and community involvement. His signature chant, ``Highly Motivated, Truly Dedicated'', continues to encourage students to be the best they can be.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Britton Brooks of Sherman, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Britton is an outstanding lawyer and prosecutor who has dedicated himself to serving and protecting our community.

Britton was born in Tyler, Texas. In 2004, he graduated from Austin College with a bachelor's degree in psychology and received his Juris Doctor from St. Mary's School of Law three years later. For fifteen years, Britton served as the assistant district attorney for Collin County and Grayson County and is well renowned for successfully prosecuting numerous felony cases involving murderers and child predators. In 2018, he established a private practice specializing in family law and personal injury. For his excellent work and efforts, Britton was named Sherman Community Leader of the Year twice and selected as the Best of Texoma criminal, family, and divorce attorney in 2019.

When he is not in the courtroom, Britton is actively involved in numerous community and charitable initiatives. He served three terms on the State Republican Executive Committee for SD 30 and was a board member for the Sherman Independent School District, Grayson County Crisis Center, and Sherman Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Britton was the previous President of the Sherman Kiwanis Club and Chairman of the Wilson N. Jones Hospital Board of Trustees. I am proud of the work Britton has accomplished for our community and I wish him continued success for many years to come.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Brett Graham of Denison, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Brett has dedicated himself to serving and uplifting our community

Brett is a 5th generation native of Grayson County. He graduated from Baylor University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in marketing and real estate. In the following year, he began his career as a real estate appraiser with the Jack Poe Company in Dallas. In 1993, Brett stepped up to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Graham International, a family-owned franchised truck dealership. Graham International has several locations in North Texas and Oklahoma, and since 1965 they have continued to provide quality services for commercial truck drivers in our community. Brett has concurrently served as the CEO of Graham Truck Centers since 2000.

Throughout his extensive career, Brett has been an active member of our community and advocate for a prosperous business environment. In the late 1990s, he joined the board of the Sherman Chamber of Commerce and worked with the Texas Association of Business in numerous leadership positions. For his outstanding work, the Baylor Institute for Family Business has recognized his company as the 2013 Texas Family Business of the Year. In 2016, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Brett to serve on the board of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles for his expertise in the automobile industry. In his free time, he volunteers with the Texas Republican Party to help elect constitutional conservatives in local and state elections. I am proud to recognize Brett today for his important contributions to our community and support for strong family values.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Tom Watt of Denison, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Tom currently serves as the chief law enforcement officer for Grayson County, and he has dedicated himself to serving and protecting our community.

Tom was born at Selfridge Air Force Base in Harrison Township, Michigan. He began his lengthy law enforcement career in 1979 as a Corrections Officer for the United States Army's 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. In 1981, Tom began serving as a civilian patrol officer for the Sherman Police Department. For his outstanding public service and excellence, he was selected to serve as Sherman's Chief of Police in 2004, a position he held for nearly nine years. Tom briefly retired in 2013, but was drawn back to public service when then-Sheriff Keith Gary asked him to become his Chief Deputy, which Tom gladly accepted. When Mr. Gary retired in 2016, Tom was appointed by the Grayson County Commissioner's Court to complete his term. He was later elected to serve as the duly elected Sheriff for Grayson County and will retire at the end of this year.

For his extensive efforts to protect and uplift our community, Tom has been recognized on several occasions. In 2019, Tom received the Community Champion Award from the Texoma Health Foundation for his leadership on the issue of mental health services. He also received the Dr. Don Rogers Award from the Texoma Behavioral Health Leadership Team. Tom currently serves on the board of the Texoma Regional Police Academy and the Texoma Law Enforcement Leadership Group. In his free time, he enjoys bowling, golfing, and playing pinball. I am proud to recognize Tom today for making a positive impact on the world around us, 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 our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. George Woodroof of Gunter, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. George has dedicated himself to serving and uplifting our community.

George was born in Paris, Texas. From a young age, he knew he wanted to serve and defend our nation. In 1969, George enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he spent the next three decades as a Marine Squadron Commander and pilot. He primarily operated CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters and was stationed in various locations across the world, including Europe, the Middle East, and on aircraft carriers. While at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan, George met the love of his life, Barbara, and they married in 1980. As he had numerous flight hours and aviation experience under his belt, he began a very successful career as a pilot for American Airlines starting in 1986. George retired from the Marine Corps as a Colonel in 1999.

When they returned to Texas, George served as a board member for the Marilee Special Utility District and the Grayson County Planning Board. Additionally, he served as the Chair of the Grayson County College Foundation Board's Finance Committee for six years, where he helped support prospective students in our community with scholarships. Since 2018, George has been a Precinct Chair for the Grayson County Republican Party and helps local candidates fundraise and win elections. In his free time, he enjoys ranching, traveling, and taking care of his dog. George and Barbara are longtime contributors to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sherman, and the Grayson County College Foundation. I am proud to recognize George's important contributions to our community and his continued efforts to support those in need.

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

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

Debbie was born in Mountain City, Tennessee and graduated from Tennessee Technological University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness. During her time in college she was active in the Young Republicans Club and worked for former US Senator Lamar Alexander's 1978 gubernatorial campaign. After graduation, Debbie married the love of her life, John, and they moved to Texas five years later. Together, they raised three wonderful children. Debbie began her career as a caseworker at Texoma Community Center and an editor for the Pottsboro Press, a local conservative newsletter.

In the mid-1990s, Debbie began working closely with the Grayson County Republican Party, and she served as Precinct Chair and Secretary for over a decade. She was one of the founding members of the Grayson County Young Republicans, where she helped educate and empower students in our community to be active in the political process. For her outstanding work and efforts, the GCRP has presented Debbie with the prestigious Eisenhower Award and the Chairman's Award. In 2014, she received the Texas Federation of Republican Women Tribute to Women Award. Currently, Debbie serves as the Vice President and Campaign Chair for the Grayson County Republican Women PAC. She is a devoted woman of faith and regularly attends the Central Christian Church in Sherman, where she was the Children's Church Director and a volunteer at the food pantry. I am proud to recognize Debbie today for her important contributions to our community.

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