Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present Richard Reagan Horn, of Huntsville, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His servant's life reflects the hard work and dedication that exemplifies the best of our Nation's values.

Richard entered active duty at Camp Pendleton, California in May of 1966 at twenty-one years of age. He served with honor and heroism during the Vietnam War, serving in the Mortar Battery, 3rd Battalion 13th and 5th Divisions of the Marine Corps. His service instilled a resilience and commitment to mission and purpose he has carried all throughout his life.

Richard served 3 years in foreign service to our Nation in combat earning the following: Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal,

Good Conduct Medal 1st Award, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Award 2nd Award and the Presidential Unit Citation. Richard completed Artillery Chart Operations and Computer Course in 1966.

After his service in Vietnam in the Marines, Richard worked in a surveying crew for the Texas Department of Transportation in the early days of construction of Interstate 45 in 1970. He then moved on and entered an extensive career with Texas Instruments in their Facility Maintenance Division earning the following trade licenses before retiring in 2009: Master Plumber in 1981 and Journeyman's Electrician in 1995. Apart from work, he became a Master Mason in the Milam Lodge No. 2 in Nacogdoches, TX in 1972 and continues as an active Mason in the Huntsville Forest Lodge No. 19 as a Tiler. He is a self-taught Farrier working with Horses and Livestock and has devoted countless hours working with FFA students as a Board of Director with the Waller County Fair Association. He is also a Life Member of the world-famous Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo since 1975, serving on the Calf Scramble and Livestock Committees.

After moving to Huntsville in 2011, Richard and his wife Linda, have been supporting the FFA and 4-H youth of Walker County through the annual county fair auctions and fundraisers in conjunction with his service to the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas when and where as needed. It is this level of continuous hard work, service and devotion to his community and its youth that I proudly commend Richard Reagan Horn of Huntsville, Texas to his friends, family, community and country awarding him the 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired USA Sergeant First Class Alyn Michael Macleod, of Pflugerville, Texas, by presenting him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His persistent efforts in fostering beliefs of sacrifice and respect reflect his value as a leader during service and in retirement.

SFC Macleod devoted 27 years serving in the United States Army, serving in several key leadership roles including Operations Non- Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Army Instructor, and Public Affairs NCOIC. He served in multiple units, including the 138th Signal Battalion (Indiana National Guard), Delta Company 44th Signal Battalion, 50th Military History Detachment, Army Space Command, 91st Training Division, 5th armored Brigade, 99th Regional Support Command, and the 222nd Broadcast Operations Detachment.

SFC Macleod deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, Operation Private Comfort, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Sandy in New Jersey. A highly trained professional, he completed advanced courses in leadership, public affairs, multimedia production, space and missile operations, communications, and emergency medical care. His extensive professional training included the Substance Abuse Program Prevention Course, Digital Multimedia Course, Instructor Training Course, Public Affairs Course, Combat Lifesaver Course, NBC Defense Course, Joint Tactical Ground Station Course, Space/Missile Warning Course, Multichannel Satellite Communication Course, PATRIOT System Maintainer Course, and Human Resources Course.

During his many years of service, his exceptional achievements had earned him several decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4th award), Army Achievement Medal (6th award), Army Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Southwest Asia Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, German Weapons Proficiency Badge--Bronze Schutzenschnur, and the Indiana National Guard Commendation Medal. SFC Macleod's legacy is one of leadership, commitments to excellence, and unwavering service to his Soldiers, his fellow veterans, and his country.

In addition to his distinguished military career, he earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration in Program Management and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration. He currently serves as Adjutant for the Disabled American Veterans Chapter No. 4, as well as the Adjutant for the American Legion Kerlin-Lyerly Post 154. Recently, he played a key role in establishing the Pflugerville Veteran Task Force, a group committed to working with critical community organizations with the goal of uniting and supporting the veteran community of Pflugerville.

It is with great honor and respect that I present retired USA Sergeant First Class Alyn Michael Macleod with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas. His exemplary service to our Nation and continued contributions to his community stand as an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present Nola Jane Saldana of Waco, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Nola Saldana is a proud United States Navy veteran, who served nearly 10 years and continues to dedicate her life to supporting veterans and her community. A full-blooded Maidu Indian raised in poverty on a reservation in Susanville, California, she grew up with strong values of respect and kindness, taught by her mother.

Not long after graduating from Sherman Indian High School, a boarding school in Riverside, California, Nola joined the Navy in January 1988. She trained as a welder and served aboard the USS Acadia, and later the USS Dixon as a radiation worker, often as the only woman in her division. Her service took her across the world, including to the Persian Gulf and multiple international ports. She departed the Navy in 1997. During her service she earned the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Medal Deployment Ribbon three times, and the Good Conduct Medal two times.

Following her military career, she earned a bachelor's degree in social work with honors from Texas Tech University. She went on to serve in several public service roles in Waco, Texas, including at the Texas Youth Commission, Texas Behavioral Health Network, and Child Protective Services. Since 2007, she has worked at the Waco VA Medical Center as a Mental Health Caseworker for seriously mentally ill women Veterans.

Beyond her professional work, Nola leads numerous Veteran-focused programs as Commander of VFW Post 2148 and volunteers in the community. She supports troop care packages, family assistance, welcome-home events, Veteran services, youth scholarships, and JROTC programs. She is also a member of the Honor Guard and an adult volunteer with the Waco Young Marines.

Recently, she made history as the first Native American female Commander of VFW District 29, overseeing seven posts in Texas. Nola is also a proud mother of four successful children, all of whom have pursued higher education or military service. Nola Saldana exemplifies lifelong service, leadership, and dedication to others. It is with great honor and respect that I present Nola Jane Saldana with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present retired USMC Colonel John Battista Airola, of Huntsville, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His servant's life reflects the hard work and dedication that exemplifies the best of our Nation's values.

Colonel Airola entered active duty at Quantico, Virginia in August of 1955 at twenty-one years of age and served with honor and heroism during the Vietnam War with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Divisions of the Marine Corps. His service instilled not only a sense of pride in his four children but led them all to the call of duty serving as officers in multiple branches of our Nation's military.

Colonel Airola served 9 years in foreign service to our Nation with significant combat earning the following; Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Stars, Bronze Star Medal with combat V, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Navy Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Pistol Expert (15th Award), Rifle Sharpshooter and Legion of Merit dated May 4, 1987.

Throughout his distinguished military career, he completed Recruit Training in 1955, then moved on into Infantry Combat Training later that year. In 1956, he completed the ANGLICO Basic Course (ABC) followed by Officer Candidate School and subsequent Basic School in 1957. Carrying on with additional training, he completed Duties of a Motor Transport (MT) Officer and Embarkation Duties in 1958. By 1965, he completed additional training that included Jr. Landing Force Plan Staff II and Nuclear Weapons Orientation. As the war in Vietnam heated up, he completed Amphibious Warfare training in 1968 and the Senior Officer Preventative Maintenance Course by 1972 and later the Instructors Orientation Course in 1975.

After his 32-year career in the Marine Corps, Colonel Airola transitioned his service over to the HEARTS Veterans Museum from its inception. His countless hours of volunteering, setting up museum displays, participating in parades, and educating the visitors and children is nothing short of amazing. Up until the summer of 2025, at the age of 91, John came in to volunteer every Saturday and even when he couldn't attend regularly, he still financially supported the mission of HEARTS.

Colonel Airola is an exceptional candidate for this Commendation. His leadership is paramount and has furthered the mission of HEARTS Museum over the years by starting the local Marine Corps Birthday Celebration each year, helped foster the early days of HEARTS and served on its board of directors for many years advocating for his fellow veterans in addition to his support for the local Marine Corps League, Toys for Tots and Semper Fi Fund. It is this advocacy and impact which lead him to be tapped to serve on the inaugural Congressional Veterans Commendation committee for East Texas.

Colonel Airola has made it his mission to continue to educate our visitors and the children about the pride in service to our country and our Nation's military history. The Colonel is history; the Colonel is an exceptional American Soldier. It is with this level of love of country and his beloved United States Marine Corps and all of its glory and strength that I proudly commend retired USMC Colonel John Battista Airola of Huntsville, Texas to his friends, family, and colleagues, and salute his service to the Marines, his country and Walker County by awarding him the 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Delman Leon Orme of Crockett, Texas, as a distinguished recipient of the Congressional Veteran Commendation. His servant's life reflects the hard work and dedication that exemplifies the best of our Nation's values.

Delman answered the call to service when he enlisted in the United States Army in March 1989, right out of high school. He followed in his older brothers' footsteps, one serving as a Military Police Officer and the other as a Combat Engineer. He entered as a Delta 19, which meant riding motorcycles. He served in the Scout Platoon, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor during Operation Desert Storm displaying outstanding tactical and technical skills. His proficiency enabled the Scout Platoon to quickly in advance friendly forces so the enemy could be destroyed while displaying high morale and a cool demeanor. During his tenure, he served with courage and distinction, embodying the highest standards of military excellence. His bravery and leadership in combat were recognized through numerous awards, including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

The Purple Heart is a solemn testament to his sacrifice in defense of our freedom, having been wounded in action while serving his country. The Bronze Star Medal further attests to his heroic or meritorious achievement in a combat zone, an enduring reflection of his courage under fire and commitment to mission and comrades alike. Delman doesn't consider himself a hero but credits the men that would not quit until he was safely off the battlefield. They provided protection and care and were amazingly able to get a helicopter in after three attempts. This was all on the last day of the war and fortunately, because he got shot, the battalion behind was able to make an overwhelming counterattack, which led to total victory. Had he not been discharged, he would have made a career out of serving his country.

Following his honorable discharge in August 1991, Delman continued his life of service at home. In his community of Crockett, he has remained steadfast in supporting fellow veterans and contributing to civic life. He is well respected by both the community and his peers for his hard work and dedication. While he does not volunteer in specific structured organizations, whenever there is a need in his community, he is the first to not only volunteer, but to take initiative when he sees a community need. He spends many hours volunteering on the weekends maintaining cemeteries and managing the landscape downtown and has also spent many hours assisting with hurricane disaster relief. He enjoys helping others and can't say no when asked for help.

Delman's story reflects the unwavering spirit of America's veterans, men and women who not only fought for freedom abroad but who continue to strengthen the fabric of our Nation here at home.

It is my distinct privilege to recognize Delman Leon Orme for his exceptional service to the United States of America and his enduring contributions to the people of East Texas. His devotion to both country and community stands as a shining example of patriotism and selfless service.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the young chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from Kentucky (Mr. Comer) for yielding time.

Mr. Speaker, what we have heard today is a continuation of this lame excuse of politics and on Donald Trump. The gentleman from California did allude to it but really did not get into much more of the data.

The bottom line is from 9/30/20, 2/25/23, 6/30/23, 7/28/23, 3/22/24, 4/12/24, 10/1/24, each of these people were nominated by the distinguished gentleman, the former President of the United States, Mr. Biden.

This is not political. This is getting the work done that Washington, D.C. needs, and this commission process that we go through does not work.

I know we wanted to hear that this is all related to Donald Trump and Republicans wanting to control the process that goes on so that we can control Washington, D.C.

Mr. Speaker, it is not working is the reason why I am on the floor today.

Mr. Speaker, this bill, H.R. 5125 is about a process that can work. The gentleman from California is correct. A lot of it is political, but what it is to do is to say that if the people of this country have chosen the President of the United States, then that is the direction we will go. We will give that President, whether it be Republican or Democrat, whether it be a man or a woman, we will give that President the opportunity for the control of this nomination and the system here in Washington, D.C.

We have got a lot at risk. Mr. Speaker, we have got a lot at risk which is the same reason why President Trump finally had the guts--yes, I will call them guts--to call in the National Guard to take on the crime presence that exists in Washington, D.C.

Members of Congress have had their cars stolen. We have had Members of Congress who were assaulted. We have had staff members of this body who were killed. People who come to this town from across the United States want, need, and expect that Washington, D.C. does not become or continue to be a work-free drug zone.

Washington, D.C. should be safe for visitors not just of the United States, but for international visitors who visit also. The basis of that which Chairman Comer is bringing to the floor today is to look at, from top to bottom, not just the judicial system, but really the entire process of the court system.

I have some background in this. My father served as a chief judge of the Western District of Texas in San Antonio. He served as FBI Director for President Reagan, President Bush, and President Clinton. He understood firsthand that control of crime has a lot to do with how you deal with criminals, Mr. Speaker.

This opportunity that we bring today to the floor is to go back to a process that works and is a process that is driven by the President of the United States who also has authority and responsibility over this beautiful city.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentlewoman coming forth, as she does represent the District of Columbia, but I think in the argument it is important to note that these are not just local judges that we are talking about. They don't handle any matter that is related to a ticket or parking ticket, local matters. In fact, they deal with serious matters, and that is why it comes to the attention of the United States Senate and the President of the United States.

This bill does not remove any sitting judges on either the D.C. Superior Court or the D.C. Court of Appeals, but, in fact, we believe it is important. As the gentlewoman noted, since 2013 we still have people who have been hanging out and not approved.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I am not going to go through this, because I really did not do the due diligence to know why there are people here who have not been approved. They are still pending.

What I would tell you, Mr. Speaker, is that we have lots of time since 2013 where Republicans and Democrats who were in charge in the United States Senate could have moved these nominations forward, and they chose not to.

I am simply standing and saying that I believe that today this bill needs to be passed because Washington, D.C., and the sitting courts do need additional judges. They need competent people who would be prepared to move forward.

If there is one President who would nominate and get this done, it would be Donald Trump. Donald Trump deeply believes in the success of Washington, D.C. He believes Washington, D.C., should be a place that is safe and has good judges. This will be an opportunity for us not only to understand a different way to handle this but a way that we can look back and say we have made Washington, D.C., just a little bit better because the Republican Party cares deeply about Washington, its success, and, mostly, the safety of the people who live here.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the young chairman for allowing me to bring this bill together.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor a dear friend, Marshall Brachman, on the occasion of his 75th birthday on July 6, 2025.

Marshall has long exemplified the best of civic engagement and public service. His remarkable career spans more than four decades, beginning in 1978, and is defined not only by professional success but by a deeply rooted commitment to his community, his faith, and the betterment of this country.

Outside of his accomplished professional life, Marshall has devoted himself to civic and philanthropic causes. At just 23 years old, he became the youngest treasurer of a Jewish Community Center in the United States when he assumed that role at the Fort Worth Jewish Community Center. His leadership and vision led him to soon become president of the Center as well as Treasurer of the Fort Worth Art Museum, now The Modern, setting a high bar for service at a young age.

Marshall's dedication to community did not stop there. He has been a tireless advocate and supporter of Jewish causes both locally and nationally, particularly through his involvement with the United Jewish Appeal, the Young Leadership Cabinet, the Texas-Israel Exchange, and AIPAC. His impact in these organizations is a testament to his belief in the power of service, charity, and enduring commitment to one's values.

Marshall is also a trusted voice in public policy and government affairs. He has helped countless Members of Congress understand complex issues, including providing historical context, and make informed decisions. His insight and integrity have made him a valuable advisor to many on both sides of the aisle. And to me personally, Marshall has been a friend, a sounding board, and an unwavering supporter--qualities for which I am sincerely grateful.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Marshall Brachman for his enduring contributions to civic life, his generous spirit, and his invaluable friendship. I extend my warmest wishes to him and his family on this milestone birthday and thank him for the positive impact he continues to make in so many lives.

Happy 75th to Marshall.

Mr. Speaker, I stand on a bipartisan basis with one of my fellow colleagues, Lloyd Doggett, from Travis County, Texas.

Mr. Speaker, today, we became the beneficiaries of seeing the Corps of Engineers from the Fort Worth District visit us to talk about the water needs and the infrastructure of our water programs in Texas.

Today, I rise to recognize Kathleen Spillane, chief of the Civil Works Branch for the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District.

In this role, Kathy oversees a comprehensive portfolio of critical water resources development projects in Texas, including flood risks, management, water supply, and operations.

Kathy manages a civil works program valued at over $1 billion, supervising a team that takes input from not only Members of Congress but also communities throughout Texas. Under her direction, the Fort Worth District's 25 reservoirs, which provide over one-third of Texas' surface drinking water, are effectively managed.

I am very proud of the years Kathy has spent not only with the Corps but in service to the people of the United States of America and, in particular, Texas.

Kathy has done a great job. I am very proud of her. May God be with her as she travels back home to our home State of Texas.

Mr. Speaker, you see gathered together Texans but friends, friends of not only a man who was with us last night but we were shocked to hear of his demise today.

We bring not only the presence of love and care for Sylvester but also for the things that he stood for, most of all.

He came to Washington to represent people with his views, ideas, and spirit. He will be missed.

We join with this entire body to say today that we will not only miss him, but we wish his family the very best and Godspeed.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman, Brother Weber, for you bringing tonight this conversation that Members of Congress on a bipartisan basis can have about the gentleman from Texas, Michael Burgess.

I am one of a few Members that remember well when he was running for Congress in a contested primary. I listened to Dr. Burgess on the radio before I had met Mike, and he was very clear and professional and straightforward about his idea of not only the rules that Congress should exist under, but also the American people. They should be able to count on Members of Congress who would come and do what they said they would do and work hard and do their best every day.

Michael Burgess became not just a standard operating procedure in the Energy and Commerce Committee for understanding healthcare and commerce and certainly the things that happen in this country, he became a stalwart for understanding the debate of leading America to understand what good healthcare would mean; how rules and regulations should be in their best interest; and how a market-based product, not just in healthcare, but what consumers would expect would be a part of that.

Knowing Mike, in 2013, I asked Mike to come and join the Rules Committee. We had changed up a little bit at that time. I became chairman of the Rules Committee and knew that we needed experts from across the Congress. We changed from making the Rules Committee an exclusive committee to one where we would ask Members to double down, in addition to their normal committee where they had extreme expertise, but also come and do double duty at the Rules Committee where we met many times late at night and certainly for hours at a time.

After just 2 weeks of being on the committee, then-Speaker John Boehner, who had called me earlier and told me he didn't really know Mike very well, came back and said: He is a real asset to our Conference and to the Rules Committee. I congratulated Mike behind Speaker Boehner's back only to find out later that John did approach Mike and say: We are very proud of the job that you are doing.

Mike, tonight, we stand in awe of you. I often spoke about you being one of the most distinguished Members of Congress, not only in your presentation, but also in your hard work back home.

Tonight, we say thank you. Tonight, we say job well done. Perhaps more than that, service to a grateful nation that not only listened to your words, but listened to your advice about making life better for people, because, in fact, you, like Virginia Foxx and other members of the committee at the time, believed that there was no problem in America that we could not tackle, help resolve, and make better for the American people. Every bit of that you did through your devotion and dedication to the American people and your idea of what service meant.

Congratulations to Dr. Michael Burgess. Thanks to his family, his beautiful young wife, Laura, for the service that he has given to the people of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired USN Senior Chief Petty Officer Walter Miller Lavender II, of Lorena, Texas, by presenting him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His remarkable accomplishments reflect a life dedicated not only to the greater good but also to his community and his country, exemplifying the values that define true patriotism.

Walter began his journey at Cisco Junior College on a football scholarship and gained recognition as an award-winning boxer. He later transferred to Midwestern State University but chose in 1961 to enlist in the United States Navy, answering a higher call to serve.

Trained as a medic, he was first stationed in Guam, where he honed his medical skills and survived the devastating Super Typhoon Karen in 1962. His resilience and commitment were further demonstrated during two tours in Vietnam. In 1965, as a Combat Medic with the 7th Marines near Quy Nhon, he provided critical care to wounded soldiers under fire. In 1970, aboard the helicopter carrier USS Iwo Jima, he was responsible for evacuating casualties, ensuring that injured service members received timely medical attention.

Walter also served aboard the USS Dewey and the USS Ward, showcasing versatility and leadership across multiple assignments. After over 22 years of distinguished service, he retired in 1983 as a Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman from the Marine Corps Reserve in Waco, Texas.

His exemplary service is reflected in the numerous decorations he received: the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, five Good Conduct Awards, the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross, and the Seventh Fleet ``Shell Back'' Recognition aboard the USS Dewy.

Following his military career, Walter continued to serve his community as a Radiologic Technologist in local hospitals until his retirement in 2014. He also served as a Municipal Court Judge in the 1980s, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to public service.

Today, he remains actively involved as the treasurer of the Heart of Texas Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 1012 and serves as a health and wellness advisor and PTSD mentor at the Waco Veterans One-Stop and the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network. His dedication to supporting fellow veterans and their families highlights his belief in service beyond self.

Those who know Walter describe him as embodying the values of duty, honor, and country. His selfless commitment to helping others continues to inspire all who meet him.

To honor his sacrifice and service, I am pleased to award retired USN Senior Chief Petty Officer Walter Miller Lavender II with a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present Andrew Michael Huffman, of Centerville, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His servant's life reflects the hard work and dedication that exemplifies the best of our East Texas values.

Andrew Huffman entered active duty at Fort Snelling, Minnesota in June of 2006 at age nineteen. As Operation Enduring Freedom gained momentum, Air Force Security Force deployments to Afghanistan accelerated as the Taliban were driven from power and the Air Force moved in and secured bases in country. He served as protector and defender ensuring Air Force, joint and coalition forces were safe. The duty assignment was intensely dangerous as Andrew was once thrown from the top of an MRAP and out of a HUMVEE on two separate occasions in Afghanistan and later on assignment in Iraq. Andrew suffered two traumatic brain injuries, and his back was broken bringing him stateside for healing.

In 4 years of service, Senior Airman Huffman completed extensive training in law enforcement, criminal justice and combat tactics and was rewarded many times. Huffman earned the Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one Service Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with one Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Longevity Service, Air Force Training Ribbon and NATO Medal.

After war, Andrew struggled through alcohol and prescription drug addiction treatment programs but found success with the Retrieving Freedom program with his service dog, Wilson. Andrew helped grow a service dog non-profit, Bella's Buddies, while earning his college degree. In a new mission, Andrew began to speak at area schools, helped foster relationships with Cadets at Texas A&M, and regularly met with Veterans groups in the region and visited VA patients on a regular basis.

As Bella's Buddies grew, it developed connections to groups like Zac Brown's Camp Southern Ground, where Andrew served as a facilitator using dogs to guide veterans to better opportunities in life and living forward no matter what.

Andrew found personal love marrying Samantha over a year ago. Andrew now teaches and coaches at Buffalo Elementary while mentoring boys how to fix things around campus. He also coaches High School cross country and just joined the Centerville Volunteer Fire Department. Andrew still volunteers with Bella's Buddies as well as Rebuilding Warriors, a service dog group out of Madisonville.

Senior Airman Huffman has seen how fleeting life is on the battlefield, and in personal matters. Fortunately, for Andrew, he is figuring out that a key to a successful life is by serving others and celebrating their victories.

I proudly commend Andrew Michael Huffman, of Centerville, Texas to his friends, family, and colleagues, and salute his service to the Air Force, his country and community of Centerville by awarding him the 2024 Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present Earnest Wayne Barron, of Huntsville, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His servant life reflects the hard work and dedication that exemplify the best of our East Texas values.

Earnest Barron entered active duty at Corpus Christi, Texas, in April of 1966 at twenty years of age. Earnest served with honor during the Vietnam War, setting the stage for a life of hard work and service to his family, country, and veteran brothers. Earnest served for four years overseas in the Vietnam War, first as a combat medic in country and then on board the USS Repose, which was used as an offshore hospital to treat those with the worst injuries, including soldiers and civilians. He was a dependable, trustworthy, and resourceful Corpsman, all hallmarks of what the Navy needed for this duty. With a compassionate heart, Earnest learned to be a skilled first responder in a combat environment. He saw the worst of the worst but kept his wits while serving to assist some of the best medical professionals in getting our soldiers well.

Earnest completed Basic Military Requirements to be a Hospital Corpsman, trained for Petty Officer 2nd and 3rd Class, was professionally recommended for Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class, completed the Military Leadership Class for E-4/5 status, ECC for Hospital Corpsman, and Navy Hospital `A' School. Petty Officer Barron was rewarded many times and recognized by earning the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After serving in Vietnam, Earnest married Donna, and in his professional career, he has worked for Armco Steel, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the University of Texas Medical Branch, and for Carnes Funeral Home through his business, First Call Mortuary Transport, which transported bodies across Texas and the rest of the Nation, upholding the last wishes and requests of families of the deceased with great care.

In retirement, Earnest is a member of VFW Post 5871, serves as a trustee at his church, and still serves as a valued volunteer at the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum. There, he still maintains the title of `most favored' tour guide, doing his best to go above and beyond in helping visitors understand what it was truly like to serve. The children especially love his tours as he dresses them up in helmets, vests, and unique wooden `weapon' replicas he had made for a more authentic experience. Earnest is also the museum photographer and videographer and has spent many years capturing the stories of veterans that visit the museum. As Earnest gives precious time at the museum, he and Donna make time to give back to their community with needs outside of the museum through their church and community. Earnest has been known to go above and beyond for his neighbors in need, delivering groceries and necessities when he finds out they have none.

It is with this level of care for his fellow man that I proudly commend Earnest Wayne Barron of Huntsville, Texas, to his friends, family, and colleagues, and salute his service to the Navy and Walker County by awarding him the 2024 Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present retired USAF Master Sergeant Bobby Dean Broneske, of Huntsville, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His servant's life reflects the hard work and dedication that exemplifies the best of our East Texas values.

Bobby Broneske entered active duty in Boston, Massachusetts in February of 1981 at eighteen years of age. Bobby served honorably through peacetime and a lengthy and volatile period in the Gulf War including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Shield and the Liberation of Kuwait. Bobby is a highly decorated airman.

Bobby was trained and served as an Electronic Warfare Systems Craftsman, and during the Gulf War, he operated from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia ensuring the safety and effectiveness of aircraft, their crews and completion of their missions guiding their every move. Bobby was required to operate at a technically high level operating sophisticated systems given the precision and coordination of coalition forces and their individual missions. This element was critical for success and Bobby and his fellow airmen performed admirably allowing the U.S. and Coalition Forces to attain their objectives with great and quick success.

In his twenty years of service, Bobby completed Basic Training, the NCO Orientation Course and the NCO Academy. Through service and combat duty, Bobby was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal with one device, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal with 13 devices, Air Force Longevity Service Award with four devices, Air Force Training Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal with three devices, Armed Forces Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Short and Long Tour Ribbons with one device, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal with two devices, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one device, Combat Readiness Medal with three devices, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one device (Provide Hope)(Provide Promise), NATO Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor with seven devices, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with five devices, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

After retiring from the Air Force, Bobby continued his service to his brothers and community by serving on the New Hampshire Veteran Advisory Board and after working his way up, he served as Commander of the Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association (CVMA). Eventually Bobby made his way to Texas as fast as he could and currently serves as Commander of the local chapter of the Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association. Bobby also serves as an officer with VFW Post 5871, board member for the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum and makes himself available to any local Veterans advocacy groups raising money and helping to achieve their goals. When a Veteran calls, Bobby is there and takes them to the doctor's office or provide emergency funds, Bobby finds a way.

It is with this level of loyalty and care for his fellow man and Veteran brothers, that I proudly commend retired USAF Master Sergeant Bobby Dean Broneske of Huntsville, Texas to his friends, family, and colleagues, and salute his service to the Air Force, and Walker County by awarding him the 2024 Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to present retired USA Lieutenant Colonel Cheryl Denise Brady of Nacogdoches, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Her service to the Nation and community speaks to the best of Texas.

Born and raised in El Dorado, Arkansas, where she graduated from Southern Arkansas University with a bachelor's degree in political science. Cheryl received her commission in 1984 as a Second Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps through Army ROTC as a Distinguished Military Graduate. After serving during The Gulf war and the war in Iraq, she culminated a 28-year distinguished military career as the Area Support Group-Kuwait, Director of Logistics at Camp Kuwait from August 2009 to January 2012. She was awarded the highest level recognition in 2011 as a Demonstrated Master Logistician under The Army Demonstrated Logistician Designation Program. Included among her military awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Cheryl and her husband, Donald moved in May of 2019 at the Lord's direction to Nacogdoches, Texas. Cheryl teaches a women's Sunday school class and leads a weekly Spiritual Bootcamp, Bible reading group, at First Christian Church. She serves as board secretary of the Village Nac, a faith-based community where people who have chronic mental health issues or chronic homelessness can find housing, help, hope and healing. Here she teaches weekly discipleship classes and Bible studies while also serving as a mentor for Village residents.

It is my honor to award retired USA Lieutenant Colonel Cheryl Denise Brady with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas.