[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 122 (Wednesday, September 12, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1500-E1501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORNG MEL BIRDWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 12, 2012

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and honor Mrs. Mel 
Birdwell, the wife of Texas State Senator Brian Birdwell. She has been 
one of the most active and visible spouses of a Hood County elected 
official on the local, state or national level.
  For three years Mrs. Birdwell has served on the board of the 
Republican Women of Hood County. During this time she has assisted with 
expanding the party, as well as, securing copies of the Constitution 
and Declaration of Independence to give to every 5th grade student in 
every Hood County elementary school.
  Mrs. Birdwell has served on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of 
Hood County where she had extensive positive influences for the 
children in our community.
  One of Mrs. Birdwell's most significant accomplishments would be to 
that of her and Senator Birdwell's Face the Fire Ministry. This 
ministry assists burn survivors and wounded servicemen and women and 
their families. Mrs. Birdwell and her husband began this ministry after 
her husband's recovery from severe burns due to the 9/11 terrorist 
attack of the Pentagon. Because her husband's duties as Senator require 
much of his attention, Mel has single-handedly taken charge of the 
ministry.
  Mrs. Birdwell is also a role model for wives and mothers everywhere 
in her loyalty to her husband. When presented by the military with a 
form for her signature which read ``soldier's death imminent within 72 
hours'', Mrs. Birdwell fought for them to do whatever it takes to 
ensure the survival of her husband. Her never ending fight for his life 
and God's intervention is why we have Senator Birdwell with us today.
  In 2002, Mrs. Birdwell was presented with the fourth annual Robertson 
McQuilkin Award for Commitment to Marriage by Family Life Ministries. 
In 2004, the Department of the Army recognized her 17 plus years of 
service to the Army family with the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal.
  Today we recognize and honor Mrs. Mel Birdwell's devotion, dedication 
and loyalty to our Nation, our state, our county, and her family.

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