[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H1376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE CAREER OF MAJOR GENERAL MICHAEL TAYLOR

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 
career of Major General Michael Taylor. All citizens of the United 
States owe General Taylor a debt of gratitude for devoting his life to 
freedom and all the ideals that make this country so great. Not only 
did he serve his country valiantly for 37 years, but he also attended 
Texas A&M University, an institution of higher learning famed for its 
rich tradition, its honor; and it also happens to be my alma matter as 
well.
  General Taylor began his military career in 1970, upon graduation 
from Texas A&M. Commissioned as an armor officer, he served as a 
platoon leader in Vietnam with the 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry 
Regiment. Serving in various roles throughout his career, including 
deputy commander of the 71st Troop Command, General Taylor assumed 
command of the 36th Infantry Division, Texas Army National Guard, Camp 
Mabry, Austin, Texas in May of 2004.
  Of the many major awards and decorations he has received over the 
course of his accomplished career, time limits me to name just a few. 
Some of the most notable are a Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf 
Clusters, Bronze Star Medal of Valor with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple 
Heart, not for some scratch on him either. He has a Meritorious Service 
Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with one Oak 
Leaf Cluster and the Army Achievement Medal.
  General Michael Taylor is a man of honor. He is a man with a sense of 
duty. He is a man with a love for God and his country. He served this 
country and he served his fellow man with wisdom, with discretion, with 
courage, with valor, and with clarity. His career of service to our 
Nation should be admired by every citizen who enjoys living free, and I 
am proud to honor him on the House floor today as a great American. He 
is a powerful patriot, and he is a personal friend of mine. He is an 
example for young people today who desire to be an intellectual servant 
and a defender of freedom.
  May God bless General Mike Taylor because he has certainly blessed 
America with his service.

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