Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor lsiah Moore, Jr., of Celina, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Pastor Moore has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Pastor Moore attended Booker T. Washington High School and joined the United States Navy after graduation. He was honorably discharged in June 1971 with the rank of Seaman Apprentice. Pastor Moore earned his bachelor's degree in 1976 from Bishop College in Dallas and attended Perkins Theological and Chriswell Ministry College. He began his career as a campus police officer at Bishop College and assistant manager at Winn Dixie before becoming a firefighter for the City of Dallas. Later, Pastor Moore served as the Senior Pastor of Samaria Baptist Church in Van Alstyne and St. Philip Baptist Church in Celina.

For nearly four decades, Pastor Moore has worked as a firefighter in North Texas and volunteer chaplain for the Celina Police Department. He is a board member of the Celina Police and Firefighters Benevolent Association, the Collin Baptist Association Board, the McKinney Area Ministerial Alliance Board, and many more. Additionally, Pastor Moore has worked with the Young Republicans in McKinney and campaigned for local judges in Collin County. For his outstanding contributions, Pastor Moore has received the 2021 Life Connected Award from the City of Celina and was recognized by his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, for 50 years of service. I am pleased to recognize Pastor Moore today for his exceptional leadership and longtime dedication to helping our community succeed.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Sean Michael Terry of Pilot Point, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Sean has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community.

A native of Gunter, Sean earned his bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University and began his career as a claims adjuster for State Farm Insurance and equipment salesman. For over 25 years, he has distinguished himself through public service as a volunteer firefighter, councilmember, and Mayor of the City of Celina. Sean has also served as President of the North Texas Mayors Association and board member of the Celina Rodeo Foundation Board. In addition, he has been the Vice President of Entitlements for Centurion American Development Group since 2013. Under his leadership as Celina's mayor, the city experienced remarkable economic growth and investments. Sean also led the effort to connect all Celina residents to high-speed internet, which led to Celina's recognition as the first Gigabit City in Texas.

For his outstanding contributions and service, Sean has earned numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Leader Award from the City of Celina, the Community Builder Award, and the Celina Varsity Cheer Parent of the Year Award. He has also been recognized by the Celina Fire Department and received a proclamation from the Collin County Commissioners Court for the State of Texas. Sean's leadership and community advocacy have made a profound impact on the City of Celina and the North Texas region. I am pleased to recognize him today for his unwavering dedication to public service, and I wish him continued success.

It is an honor to bestow Sean with the Patriot Award for his 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 Sheriff Lane Akin of Decatur, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Lane has dedicated himself to faithfully serving and protecting our community.

A native of Greenville, Texas, Lane earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from East Texas A&M University. He began his lengthy law enforcement career in 1974 as a Department of Public Safety officer at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. He worked his way up the ranks to become a Highway Patrol trooper, Narcotics Service Sergeant, Texas Ranger, and Texas Ranger supervisor. After retiring from Texas DPS, Lane served as the Office Enforcement Captain for the Wise County Sheriffs office and was elected Wise County Sheriff in 2016. In December 2024, he retired after five decades of distinguished service as a law enforcement officer.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Lane is heavily involved in community service initiatives to benefit North Texans. He serves as the President of the NCT 911 Board and the Chairman of the Wise County's Santa's Deputies to deliver toys and food to families in need during the holidays. Moreover, Lane is an accomplished author, and in 2024, he published his first book, The Point: Dawn of the Texas Meth War, which details the history of the drug epidemic and has been highly rated by readers. He will be publishing his second book in Fall of 2025 titled Texas Ranger, Wise County. For his outstanding service as a Texas Ranger, Lane has been recognized as Officer of the Year twice by the Wise, Jack, and Montague County Criminal Justice Association. I am proud to recognize Lane today for a lifetime of public service to the North Texas community, and I look forward to his future endeavors and publications.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. John ``Johnny'' Rothfus of Prosper, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Johnny has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.

Johnny was born in Sachse, Texas, and moved with his family to Prosper at a young age. In 1943, he graduated high school and joined the United States Army Air Forces the following year. Johnny served as a tail gunner on a B-24 bomber and was briefly stationed overseas for six months. As a result of his meritorious service, he received the Purple Heart, an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the European-African- Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one silver battle star, and the Good Conduct Medal with one overseas bar. Johnny completed his service in 1947 and later fulfilled an advertisement recruiting firefighters. For two decades, he drove a fire engine, and he retired in November 1974.

Johnny's incredible career as an aviator turned first responder is remarkable to witness. After returning from overseas, he married in 1945. Johnny has one daughter and many more grandchildren and great- grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with his family and building and painting homes in his free time. Johnny has remained a devoted man of faith, and he regularly attends First Christian Church in Celina. I am proud to commemorate Johnny for a lifetime of contributions to our country, as he has been steadfast in his service to his community, be it at the senior center or drug store. I wish him good health for many years to come.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Mr. Austin Metcalf of Frisco, Texas, a young student athlete and aspiring leader who tragically passed away on April 2, 2025.

Austin was a student at Frisco Memorial High School, where he was an honors student, accomplished leader, and star athlete on the Memorial Warriors football team. He maintained an impressive 4.0 GPA and participated in track and field to supplement his football abilities. Moreover, Austin was voted MVP of his football team in the last season and was on the path to become a prospective football recruit for several top universities, all at the young age of 17 years old.

Austin's warm personality and natural leadership skills made an enormous impact on the lives of those around him. He was an exceptional, outgoing young man who lit up any room he was in with his smile. Outside of school and sports, Austin worked part-time at Halo Pizzeria in Frisco alongside his twin brother, Hunter. Together, they regularly attended church with their youth group and enjoyed going on hunting trips with their family. My heart goes out to Hunter and Austin's parents, Jeff and Meghan Metcalf, during this difficult moment. Austin's spirit and legacy will continue to inspire and guide us always.

I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol in remembrance of Austin's wonderful life. May his memory be a blessing to his friends, family, and all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Captain Nathan L. Hammond for his recent promotion and recognize his distinguished service to our nation in the United States Air Force.

Capt. Hammond began his military career in January 2014 when he enlisted in the Oklahoma Air National Guard. In 2018, he graduated from the University of Oklahoma and earned his commission through their ROTC program. As an officer, Capt. Hammond initially served as a Gold Bar Recruiter before being selected as the Assistant Flight Commander for Air Freight at the 436th Aerial Port Squadron at Dover Air Force Base. In this role, he led 226 military and civilian personnel to ensure efficient flight operations at the Department of Defense's largest aerial port.

For his outstanding service, Capt. Hammond received the Air and Space Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air and Space Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Army Achievement Medal. He was also named the 2025 Company Grade Officer of the Year by AFSOUTH and earned the prestigious John Levitow Award in Airman Leadership School for his exceptional academic performance, among many other accolades.

In July 2022, Capt. Hammond earned the rank of captain and began serving as the Special Warfare Mission Support Flight Commander for the 720th Operations Support Squadron in Hurlburt Field, Florida. Since October 2024, he has been the Logistics Flight Commander of the 612th Air Base Squadron out of Soto Cono Air Base, Honduras. I'm pleased to honor Capt. Hammond for his continued excellence in proudly serving our country.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol in recognition of Capt. Hammond's extensive contributions to our nation. Congratulations to Capt. Hammond, and I wish him the very best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Heart's Desire in Frisco, Texas.

In 1995, Sherri Hale and Molly Hoebeke founded Heart's Desire, the first gift shop in Frisco. What started off as a hobby between friends has transformed into a very successful small business and a must-visit attraction for Frisco residents and tourists. From gourmet food, jewelry, handbags, to lake-themed gifts, Heart's Desire offers an incredible, diverse selection of goods and a warm, welcoming environment for visitors. When conceptualizing name ideas for the store, Sherri and Molly leaned on their faith for inspiration and ultimately settled on ``Heart's Desire,'' a reference from Psalm 37:4, to encapsulate the feeling you get when you walk through their doors. They attribute the business' success to their dedicated patrons and their hardworking staff. Now open for over three decades, visitors from all over the world have enjoyed the authentic and exceptional customer service experience in Heart's Desire.

For their incredible commitment to serving the needs of customers and the community, Heart's Desire has received the Best in DFW People's Choice Award for best gift shop and Frisco STYLE Magazine's Best of Business--Outstanding Experience Award. Moreover, it has been ranked as one of the top 10 best spots for shopping in Frisco by Local Profile of Collin County. I am pleased to recognize Heart's Desire's longtime contributions to North Texas, and I know it will remain a gem in our community for many years to come.

I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize this wonderful occasion. I wish Sherri, Molly, and the staff of Heart's Desire continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Mr. Matthew Logan Finke of Bells, Texas, who peacefully passed away on September 25, 2024.

Mr. Finke was born on July 27, 1987, in Denison, Texas. He attended Denison High School and graduated from Austin College in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in business, where he was a star athlete and captain of its football and baseball teams. In his outstanding football career, Mr. Finke was recognized numerous times as the All-Conference performer, Conference Player of the week, and the National Defensive Back of the week. He also earned the Shellie Hersch Special Teams Player of the Year and was named the Duke Babb Most Outstanding Player as a senior. Upon graduating, Mr. Finke heeded the call to serve his nation and joined the United States Army to serve as an Orthopedic Technician. In 2019, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve as the Movement and Security Non-Commissioned Officer In-Charge.

Mr. Finke received a battlefield promotion for his contributions to the war effort against terrorist forces in this operation and also earned his Air Assault Badge, German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge in Gold, and Norwegian Ruck March Badge. Moreover, Mr. Finke won first place in the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command NCO of the Year Best Warrior Competition, out of a cadre of 6,000 soldiers. Outside of his Army duties, Mr. Finke was a devoted husband to his wife, Chelsey, and a father to three beautiful daughters. He was an uplifting leader who enjoyed playing football with kids in his neighborhood and his Army buddies. You could always count on Mr. Finke to be there and push you to be better than you were yesterday, both physically and mentally. His legacy of compassion, integrity, and friendship will always be remembered.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Mr. Finke's incredible life and service to our Nation. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the founding of Bonham, Texas.

Bonham's rich history began in autumn of 1837 as Fort Inglish, a small, fortified blockhouse and stockade constructed by Mr. Bailey Inglish and his neighbors to protect against

raids by Native Americans at the time. As the prior elected sheriff of nearby Miller County, Arkansas, Mr. Inglish was familiar with these attacks and determined to protect families who sought refuge at Fort Inglish. The fort and its settlement quickly grew, and in 1840, Mr. Inglish was appointed to lead its newly established post office. Initially known as Bois D'Arc, the settlement was renamed in 1844 in honor of James Butler Bonham, who died in 1836 as a messenger and one of the final defenders during the Battle of the Alamo. On February 2, 1848, Bonham officially became incorporated as a city.

From its early beginnings, Bonham has been enriched with deep history. The city rapidly grew as a trading post and key point for settlers heading west. Throughout the late 1800's, Bonham became a center for agriculture, especially cotton, and later developed a strong industrial base. The city saw the rise of various industries, including manufacturing, and Bonham became a regional hub for trade and commerce. Moreover, the concurrent evolution of the railroad further connected Bonham to other regions in Texas and beyond, opening the gate to new economic opportunities and westward expansion that built the Nation we know today.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to commemorate this historic occasion. We should always look to the past every now and then to protect and preserve our Nation's history for future generations to admire.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the grand opening of Lionshead Specialty Tire and Wheel's newest facility in Paris, Texas.

Since 1993, Lionshead has specialized in state-of-the-art contract manufacturing to produce and distribute a wide range of options for tires, wheels, and vehicle components for the trailer and recreational vehicle market nationwide. It is a family-owned business based in Goshen, Indiana, with facilities throughout Texas, North Carolina, Idaho, Georgia, and Minnesota.

This new 120,000 square foot facility is a notable milestone for Lionshead and Paris, as it represents the culmination of years of dedication and $20 million dollars of investments in North Texas. Most importantly, it will create over 40 new jobs in the region within the next five years. I'm proud to recognize Lionshead for its continued commitment to uphold customer satisfaction and strengthen the economic success of Lamar County.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to commemorate this historic occasion and critical investment for the people of the 4th District of Texas. I congratulate Lionshead, and I wish them the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of the men and women who fought for our Nation during the Vietnam War.

During the Vietnam War, 8.7 million Americans served in our Nation's Armed Forces, with over 2.7 million being deployed to Vietnam. Tragically, 58,281 servicemembers would lose their lives in the conflict, and many more were wounded in action. Moreover, there are nearly 1,600 Americans who are still classified as missing in action or having died in captivity as a prisoner of war. I am thankful for our Department of Defense's continued commitment to searching for our missing soldiers, and I am very hopeful that we can one day bring closure to each and every family member and friend of our POW/MIA servicemembers in this conflict.

At present, it's estimated there are just over 5 million Vietnam veterans still alive today. Many have experienced hardships with little recognition. Despite this, they have persevered and served our country in other ways. A great number of Vietnam veterans have become fast responders, industrial workers, farmers, truck drivers, and public servants. We are exceptionally grateful for their continued selfless service to our great Nation. Since the conflict, the relationship between the United States and Vietnam has also progressed to remarkable milestones. Vietnam has emerged to become one of our closest allies in the Pacific and is a strategic partner in our efforts to account for missing servicemembers.

On this occasion, I would also like to thank Captain Dave Carey for his special keynote address. Capt. Carey is a distinguished American patriot and aviator who served as a U.S. Navy pilot in Vietnam. After enduring nearly six years as a prisoner of war, Capt. Carey served in key leadership positions in the Navy and became a passionate motivational speaker and author.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to commemorate and honor our Vietnam Veterans to ensure their heroism and sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mr. James Muns of Plano, Texas, who peacefully passed away on March 6, 2025.

Mr. Muns was born on January 6, 1932. He attended Abilene Christian University, where he met his wife Betty. In the 1970's, Mr. Muns and Betty moved to Plano, where he established the Muns Enterprises investment company that specialized in real estate. One of his first investments in Plano was in the El Ranchero Estates, allowing it to become one of the most spectacular and successful properties in the region. From 1992 to 1996, Mr. Muns proudly served as the Mayor of Plano. Under his leadership, Plano experienced significant economic growth, commerce, and population growth, setting the stage for it to be nationally recognized as one of the best cities to live in Texas and the United States. For his outstanding contributions to the City of Plano, Mr. Muns and Betty were named Plano's citizens of the year in 1994.

In 2007, the Muns established the Betty and James Muns Foundation to support philanthropic, educational, and humanitarian initiatives throughout North Texas. Mr. Muns was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather to four children, ten grandchildren, and many more great- grandchildren. One of his sons, Mr. John Muns, currently serves as the Mayor of Plano in the footsteps of his father. I am deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Muns's passing, as he has made a positive and lasting impact on our community.

I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol in recognition of Mr. Muns's wonderful life and service. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mr. Joe Vernon Adams of Cooper, Texas, who peacefully passed away on February 20, 2025.

Joe was born on June 27, 1963, to Eugene and Jo Ann Adams. Despite being born with a critical spinal condition, he overcame all obstacles and pushed forward to live with dedication, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to conservative values. Prior to being elected as County Chairman for the Republican Party of Delta County in 2018, Joe was a longtime member of the Delta County Republican Club and a dedicated volunteer for the Republican Party of Texas. He regularly attended city council meetings, commissioners' court sessions, and community events throughout Delta County, where his presence and expertise was welcomed by many. Moreover, Joe regularly participated in the Cooper Cleanup Crew's Saturday events to help keep the city clean and beautiful.

As a proud American and patriot, Joe continued to tirelessly advocate for our nation's values, including freedom, responsibility, and service. He did not allow his disability to limit his valued contributions to our community. Instead, Joe worked diligently to connect constituents with their elected officials and promote civic engagement throughout North Texas. On top of his political and community work, he was a devoted father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Joe enjoyed a good day of fishing and spending quality time with his family. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing, as he made a positive and lasting impact on our community.

I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol in recognition of Joe's wonderful life and service. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mr Fred Moses of Plano, Texas, who peacefully passed away on January 24, 2025.

Fred was born in Coward, South Carolina, on June 6, 1949, to Otis and Elveta Moses. He grew up from humble beginnings in a large sharecropping family with nine siblings. Fred's experiences showed him the importance of working hard, obtaining an education, and safeguarding his family's hard-earned possessions--in this case, land. This inspired him to establish an enduring legacy for his family and future generations. Fred graduated from the University of Bridgeport and later worked as an Operations Manager at General Electric Supply Company for eleven years. In 1985, he left General Electric and used his savings to establish Telecom Electric Supply LLC along with his wife Mazzie.

For over four decades, Fred's company has continued to successfully deliver exceptional supply chain services, electrical equipment, and telecommunications products to North Texas. He also served as a minister at Shiloh Baptist Church and was a generous benefactor for various charitable organizations to help provide scholarships to students in need. For his contributions to our community, Fred received the Community Leader Award from Collin County's Meals on Wheels and was selected to be recognized as a Dallas Living Legend by Verna's HELP Foundation. I was also honored to present him with the prestigious Congressional Patriot Award last year for his outstanding leadership and distinguished community service.

I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol in recognition of Fred's incredible life and service. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.