[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 82 (Tuesday, June 11, 2013)]
[House]
[Pages H3279-H3282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO FALLEN FIRST RESPONDERS OF WEST, TEXAS
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Collins of New York). Under the
Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2013, the Chair recognizes the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Flores) for 30 minutes.
Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, the city of West, Texas, is a small, tight-
knit community located a few miles north of Waco, Texas, with a
population of just under 3,000. West is commonly known for its Czech
bakeries, Czech gift shops and antique stores, and it has been
recognized as the ``Czech Heritage Capital of Texas.''
On April 17, the city of West was subject to a catastrophic explosion
that was felt hundreds of miles away. The tragic explosion injured
hundreds, caused tens of millions of dollars in damage, and took 15
lives.
On the evening of the explosion, first responders from West and
surrounding communities responded to a fire at the West Fertilizer
Company. These brave men worked to try and tame the flames and evacuate
a nearby apartment complex and nursing home when the explosion erupted
and rocked this small community.
When the smoke cleared and the rescue mission was complete, we
learned we had lost 12 first responders. These brave men died while
doing the job that they were trained and prepared to do in order to
keep our community safe. Today, we honor and remember these fallen
first responders who put themselves in harm's way for the good of their
family, their friends, their neighbors, and their community.
Mr. Speaker, today we remember Morris Wayne Bridges, Jr., of West,
Texas. He was born February 28, 1972, in Dallas, Texas, to Morris and
Sharon Bridges. He attended schools in Dallas and later became a
pipefitter for Action Fire Pro in Waxahachie, Texas. He had been a
volunteer for the West Fire Department for the past 3 years.
Morris loved to ride motorcycles. He also loved to go fishing and
enjoyed camping and the outdoors.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his
memory his wife, Carmen Bridges; three children, Brent Bridges,
Brittany Bridges, and Jaemeson Bridges, all of West; and two sisters,
Lula Mill of Bristol and Melinda Hager of Olean, Missouri; and many
friends and extended family.
Mr. Speaker, today we remember Perry Wayne Calvin of Frost, Texas. He
was born January 18, 1976, in Dallas, Texas, to Phil and Cindy Calvin.
He graduated from Frost High School and attended the Fire Academy and
Emergency Medical Technician school at Hill College. Perry was a self-
employed farmer and loved the outdoors. He was a member of the Navarro
Mills Volunteer Fire Department and the Mertens Volunteer Fire
Department.
Perry enjoyed horseback riding, rodeos, fishing, and especially
spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his
memory his wife, Rebecca Ann Calvin; two sons, Paul Wyatt Calvin and
Preston Calvin, all of Frost; a brother, Wes Calvin and his wife,
Emily, of Frost; two sisters, Penny Dixon of Bryan-College Station and
Page Calvin, who is currently serving in the United States Air Force;
his grandmother, Edna Calvin of Hutchins; and several nieces, nephews,
and other relatives and friends.
Mr. Speaker, today we remember Jerry Dane Chapman of Hillsboro. He
was born April 7, 1987, in Pampa, Texas, to Martin Dane and Rhonda
Chapman. He grew up in Pampa and moved to Hillsboro in 2003. Jerry had
various jobs early in his career and ultimately discovered his passion,
which began when he became a member of the Abbott Volunteer
Firefighters. He then proceeded to work towards becoming an emergency
medical technician.
He loved all things Batman, Star Wars, Tolkien, and was an avid video
gamer. As an avid electronics enthusiast, he always wanted to be on the
cutting edge of technology. He was a generous person; he would give
what he had to anyone in need.
{time} 2030
Jerry was known for his passion for helping others, both those he
knew and those he did not. His willingness and giving spirit were fit
for the career he chose to pursue as a firefighter and an EMT.
He was preceded in death by an uncle, Rodney McCulloch, who was also
a volunteer firefighter. He leaves to cherish his memory, his parents,
Dane and Rhonda Chapman of Hillsboro; maternal grandfather, Bryan
McCulloch, and his wife, Joy, of Plainview; maternal grandmother,
Charlotte McCulloch, of Lubbock; paternal grandparents, Gerald and
Janet Chapman of Amarillo; great grandmother, Gladys Ragle, of Lubbock;
one sister, Shay Pohlmann, and her husband, Justin, of Nacogdoches;
niece, Chloe Rose Pohlmann, of Nacogdoches; and many friends and
extended family.
Mr. Speaker, tonight we remember Cody Frank Dragoo of West. He was
born October 15, 1962, in Billings, Montana, to Christopher Clyde and
Mildred Dragoo. Cody graduated from Montana State University with a
degree in agriculture.
He had been employed with the West Chemical and Fertilizer plant for
many years. As a member of the West Volunteer Fire Department, Cody was
very involved with the annual volunteer fire department barbecue cook-
off fundraiser and organized tractor pulls in West.
Cody enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, watching NASCAR, and being
with family and friends. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church
of the Assumption in West and the Knights of Columbus Council 2305. He
served as the president of the Cottonwood Water Supply.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Tom Dragoo. He
leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Patty Dragoo, of West;
sisters, Shirley McDonald, and husband,
[[Page H3280]]
Matt, of Billings, Montana, and Loretta Fisher and husband, Richard of
Fort Worth; brother-in-law, Gary Berger, of West; sisters-in-law and
brothers-in-law Carolyn and Ron Sumner of Houston, David and Janet
Mynar, of Midlothian, Michael and Natalie Mynar of Weatherford, Susan
and James Miller, of West, and Cindy and Tony Kubacak, of West; and
numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
Mr. Speaker, today we remember Captain Kenneth ``Luckey'' Harris,
Jr., of West. He was born November 21, 1960, in Killeen, Texas, to
Kenneth Luckey Harris, Sr. and Scottie Harris. He graduated from
Crawford High School and went on to attend McLennan Community College
until he was accepted into the Dallas Fire Academy.
He graduated from the Dallas Fire Academy in 1982 and served as a
firefighter with the Dallas Fire Department for over 31 years,
attaining the rank of captain. He also owned Harris Home Inspections
and Construction with his family.
Luckey loved offshore fishing with his sons and spending time on his
boat, the Boots Up he called it. He also enjoyed hunting, traveling,
and spending time with friends. He was a member of the High Point
Church in Waco and the Dallas Firefighters Associated Local 58.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 28 years, Holly
Harris, of West; three sons, Jud Harris, of Grapevine, Jarrod Harris
and Heath Harris, both of Midland; mother, Scottie Isham, and husband,
Emory, of West; father, Ken Harris, and wife, Annita, of Crawford;
sisters, Anne Harris, of Quinlan, Carmen Burkhart and husband, Brian,
of Hutto; three nieces, Abby Hunt and husband, Jeff, Bethany Grubb and
fiance, Jay Baker, and Andrea Burkhart; nephew, Perry Burkhart; great-
nephew, Hayden Hunt; and many friends and extended family.
Mr. Speaker, today we remember Jimmy Ray Matus of West. He was born
November 9, 1960, in Waco to Raymond Rudolf and Lillian Francis Matus.
He attended St. Mary's School, was a graduate of West High School, and
also attended McLennan Community College.
Jimmy started working at his family business, Westex Welding & Fire
Apparatus, at a very young age. He continued to work there for the next
40 years and spent the last 20 years managing all aspects of the
business.
Jimmy was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption,
the SPJST Lodge 54, Sokol West, where he served as past president, the
State Fireman's Association, and was an honorary member of the Masonic
Lodge in West. Jimmy also served on the West ISD School Board and
played the role of Santa Claus for many organizations, including Sokol
in the City of West.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gail Matus. He leaves
to cherish his memory his parents, Raymond and Lillian Matus, of West;
son, Dustin Matus and fiance, Becca Wright, of West; daughter, Jennifer
Kalina and fiance, Brian Walker, of Lorena; two stepdaughters, Heather
Roberson and Derek Barnes, both of Bosqueville, and Karry Dornak and
husband, Jeff, of Spring; two sisters, Kathy Matus and Cindy Matus,
both of West; brother, Thomas Matus, and wife, Ruth Ann, of Chalk
Bluff; five great grandchildren; and numerous extended family and
friends.
Mr. Speaker, today we remember Joseph F. Pustejovsky, Jr. of West. He
was born August 3, 1983, in Waco to Joseph Frank ``Joe'' Pustejovsky,
Sr. and Carolyn Pustejovsky. He attended St. Mary's School, graduated
from West High School, and also attended McClennan Community College.
Since 2009, he had served as the city secretary for West. He had also
worked for the Sears and Roebuck Company, and as a personal property
appraiser for McLennan County Appraisal District.
Joey liked to hunt, play golf and work in his yard and was an avid
Texas A&M fan. He loved spending time with his children and his family.
He also enjoyed being actively involved with his community, his church,
and the fire department family.
He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in
West, where he started the youth ministry and was a director of the
Catholic Brothers and Sisters United Youth Ministry for 2 years. He
also served as a gift bearer and CCE teacher.
He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council Number 2305,
and the Monsignor George 4th Degree Assembly 2391, also the West ACTS
Men's Community, West ACTS Core, where he served as treasurer, the
County Line Aggie Club, the West Fire Department, where he served as
treasurer, and the National Rifle Association.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeremy Pustejovsky, and
grandparents, Frankie Kapavik, Sr., and Anton and Helen Pustejovsky. He
leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of a year, Kelly
Pustejovsky, of West; children, Parker, Beau, Kayla and Ashley, all of
West; parents, Joe and Carolyn Pustejovsky, of West; grandmother,
Teresa Compton and husband, Marcus, of Crawford; brother, Bradley
Pustejovsky and wife, Dolores, of West; in-laws, Joe and Brenda
Sebesta, of Waco, brother-in-law, David Sebesta, of Fort Worth; and
numerous aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.
Mr. Speaker, today we remember Captain Cyrus Adam Reed of Houston. He
was born February 11, 1984, in Houston to Mark Andrew and Lucy Reed. He
was a member of the Abbott Volunteer Fire Department, the Bynum
Volunteer Fire Department, the West Ambulance Department, a former
member of the Elm Mott Volunteer Fire Department. He was affiliated
with the Community Volunteer Fire Department in Alief, and he was also
an Eagle Scout in Troop 1110.
Cyrus lived his life with an infectious smile, a giant heart, and a
dedication to honor which he would not compromise.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles P. Reed and E.
Miles II and Shirley Ann Brown; uncle, Edwin Miles Brown II; and uncle,
Robert Zulko. He leaves to cherish his memory his grandmother, Martha
J. Reed of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania; parents, Mark and Lucy Reed of
Houston; sister, Sarah Reed and fiance, David Hobbs, of Houston; niece,
Edith Cheyenne of Houston; brother, Bryce Reed and wife, Brittany; and
their daughter, Finley, of West; three aunts, three uncles, 11 cousins,
and many friends.
Mr. Speaker, today we remember Kevin William Sanders. He was born
October 13, 1979, outside of Chicago to Duane and Sandra Sanders. He
grew up in Palos Hills, Illinois, and graduated from Marist High
School. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign with a bachelor's degree in animal science and from Parkland
College with a veterinary technician certification.
Kevin truly believed in the strength and goodness of people. His
passion in life was helping and caring for others. He held several
registered veterinary technician positions in Champaign, Illinois; Fort
Wayne, Indiana; Plainfield, Illinois; Waco, Texas; and Hewitt, Texas.
Kevin always did as he thought was right and strove to be the best
that he could be.
{time} 2040
He taught at Fox College in Tinley Park, Illinois, and McLennan
Community College in Waco, Texas, inspiring greatness in his students
at each location. Kevin lived for the service of others through his
participation in the Plainfield Emergency Management Agency in Illinois
and the Bruceville-Eddy Volunteer Fire Department in Texas.
Kevin loved caring for animals, working on cars, restoring his 1970
Dodge Charger, listening to music and attending concerts, watching the
Chicago Bears and the Fighting Illini, playing paintball and spending
time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Duane Sanders. He leaves to
cherish his memory his wife, Sarah Sanders; son, Reeve Sanders; mother,
Sandra Sanders; maternal grandmother, Eleanore Frey; sister, Jeannette,
and her husband, Tim White; brother, Scott, and his wife, Allison
Sanders; and many friends and extended family.
Mr. Speaker, today we remember Captain Douglas ``Doug'' James
Snokhous of West. He was born January 1, 1963 in Hillsboro to Jimmy
Rudolph and Louise Marie Snokhous. He attended St. Mary's School, was
part of the West Boy Scouts and spent most of
[[Page H3281]]
his childhood with his dad and uncles at the West Volunteer Fire
Department. He played baseball and football for the West Trojans and
graduated from West High School. After high school, he began his career
at Central Texas Iron Works.
Doug loved spending time with family, especially his 7-month old
grandson, Hogan James. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, fishing, talking
with friends and cooking barbecue. Doug's passion was volunteering with
the West Volunteer Fire Department, alongside his brother, Robert.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Bob, died
in the same accident that took Doug's life. He leaves to cherish his
memory his wife of 13 years, Donna Snokhous of West; two daughters,
Lauren and Laken Snokhous, both of West; grandson, Hogan James;
stepsons, Steven Beseda and his wife, Maggie, of Eva Beach, Hawaii; and
Paul Beseda and his wife, Amy, of West; stepdaughter DeAnna Reaves and
her husband, Brandon, of Azle; three step-grandchildren; sister, Karen
Hoelscher and her husband, Keith, of West; brother, Barry Snokhous and
his wife, Sayoko, of Okinawa, Japan; sister-in-law, Alison Snokhous of
West; along with nieces and nephews; a great-niece and great-nephew;
numerous other relatives, and many friends.
Mr. Speaker, today we remember Captain Robert ``Bob'' Louis Snokhous
of West. He was born June 4, 1964, in Hillsboro to Jimmy Rudolph and
Louise Marie Snokhous. He graduated from West High School and received
an Associate Degree from Texas State Technical College in Waco. He was
a project manager for Central Texas Iron Works in Waco and was on their
emergency response team.
Bob was a volunteer for the West Fire Department, where he held a
passion for putting out fires. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic
Church of the Assumption and the Knights of Columbus West Council No.
2305. He loved hunting and outdoor barbecues.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Doug, died
in the same accident that took Bob's life. He leaves to cherish his
memory his beloved wife of 13 years, Alison Snokhous; son Robert
``Bubba'' Snokhous, Jr., of Cape Coral, Florida; daughters Margee
Snokhous of Cape Coral, Florida, and McKenzie Ryan of West; brother
Barry Snokhous and wife, Sayoko, of Okinawa, Japan; sister, Karen
Hoelscher and her husband, Keith, of Ross, Texas; two grandchildren,
Kandence and Kameron Snokhous of Cape Coral; several nieces and
nephews; a great-niece and great-nephew; and numerous other relatives
and many friends.
Mr. Speaker, today we remember William Ray ``Buck'' Uptmor, Jr., of
Abbott. He was born April 11, 1968, in Waco, to Billy Ray Uptmor, Sr.
and Beverly Ann Uptmor. He graduated from West High School, and went on
to study air conditioning for 2 years at Hill Junior College. He also
attended Texas State Technical Institute, where he studied auto body
work. For over 25 years, he owned and operated Uptmor Welding and
Construction. He built fences, barns and arenas, including designing
and constructing the Hubbard Arena and Auction facility.
Buck grew up loving the outdoors. He loved to camp, hunt, fish, ride
horses and work cattle. He was an animal lover, and he was always
picking up strays. He also loved watching his children's sporting
events, coaching Little League, and supporting his daughter in barrel
racing. He trained and jockeyed racehorses and was the drummer for the
Billy Uptmor and the Makers band. Buck loved rodeo and rode saddle
broncs, bareback broncs, and bulls. He also liked to grill, and he
thought he was a great chef. He was also a member of St. Martin
Catholic Church in Tours, the West Longhorn Club, where he served as
director, Catholic Life, and SPJST Lodge 6 in Cottonwood.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 13 years, Arcy
Uptmor of Abbott; sons, Hunter and Trevor Uptmor, both of Abbott;
daughter, Dusty Uptmor of Abbott; parents, Billy and Beverly Uptmor of
Tours; grandmother, Agnes Middleton of Tours; brother, Brian Uptmor and
his wife, Kris, of Tours; sister, Bethany Raines and her husband, Matt,
of Tours; mother-in-law, Julia Silva of Pharr; and several nieces,
nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mr. Speaker, these 12 men paid the ultimate sacrifice while providing
for the safety and security of the community of West. They all died
doing what they loved to do, which was serving and protecting others.
They will forever be remembered as heroes. Their selfless service is a
model for the rest of us to follow.
These men each exemplified the words of Jesus in John 15:13:
Greater Love has no man than this: that he lay down his life for his
friends.
I am in awe of the outpouring of support for the West community from
surrounding communities and indeed from people across this Nation and
around the world. We are hopeful this great town will quickly and fully
recover from this tragic event. All of the help that has been given and
continues to come will certainly speed the recovery process. Tragedies
such as this explosion remind us of how fragile life really is.
I ask that everyone please remember to pray often for our country
during these difficult times. Please pray for our military men and
women who protect our country from threats abroad and for our first
responders who protect us from threats here at home.
Mr. Speaker, before I close this evening, I would like to recognize
the West Veterans Honor Guard.
Throughout the decade of the 1990s, due in part to the reduction of
the country's Active Duty military forces and coupled with the
increasing number of World War II-era veterans reaching the ends of
their lives, the Department of Defense was typically unable to provide
graveside military honors to deceased veterans. In 1990, West VFW Post
4819 and its commander, Frank Podsednik, answered the call and selected
fellow member Harry Lee Hykel to form and lead the West Veterans Honor
Guard, whose mission has become ``Honoring Those Who Served.''
The original group consisted of Squad Leader Captain Harry Lee Hykel,
bugler Bob Fuller, Jim Garrett, Chaplain C.J. Hlavaty, Ernest Holecek,
Claude King, Robert Kreid, Boyd Mangrum, Riflemen Frank Podsednik,
Robert Podsednik, Alwood Scheler, and Color Bearers Gene Schutza and
Ernest Zahirniak.
The VFW Honor Guard was later joined by American Legion members to
become the West Veterans Honor Guard. Additions and transitions to the
squad include Color Bearer Ross ``BO'' Bohannon, Rob Buchanan, Chaplain
Marvin Cepak, Michael Driscoll, Jerry Kadlubar, John Kostecka, Joe
Laubert, William Karlik, Ronnie Matus, William Pavelka, Dan Pokluda,
Riflemen Buddy Shields, Steve Soukup, Robert Sanislav, Chris Waters,
Russell Willsey and Robert Zahirniak.
In addition to rendering military honors at veterans' funerals, the
honor guard participates in numerous civic functions and ceremonies
throughout Central Texas, including leading and marching in Westfest
Labor Day parade, providing a color honor guard, providing display of
service flags and displaying the POW/MIA flag.
Since its inception in 1990, the West Veterans Honor Guard has
provided the longstanding military tradition of funeral honors,
ceremonial elements of flag folding and presentation, playing ``Taps,''
providing rifle details, and providing color guards at over 430
funerals.
Mr. Speaker, tonight I honor the West Veterans Honor Guard for all
that they have done for our great community.
Mr. Speaker, on June 8, America lost Army Lieutenant Colonel Todd
Clark in the war on terror.
Lieutenant Colonel Todd Clark was a native of New York, and his
father, Jack, was an Army Colonel. Todd was in the Junior ROTC while in
high school, and upon graduation, attended Texas A&M University where
he would join Company B-2 in the Corps of Cadets.
{time} 2050
At the time of his tragic death, he was a brigade level advisor to
the 10th Mountain Division. He would serve on five separate deployments
in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
During his 17 years of service to our country, Lieutenant Colonel
Clark earned many awards and decorations. He earned three Bronze Star
Medals, the Purple Heart, two Meritorious
[[Page H3282]]
Service Medals, the Army Commendation with Combat Distinguishing Device
``V,'' four Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals,
the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the National Defense
Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary
Medal, the Kosova Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, two
Afghanistan Campaign Medals with Bronze Service Star, four Iraq
Campaign Medals with Bronze Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism
Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the
Korean Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, three Overseas
Service Ribbons, the NATO Medal Kosova and the NATO Medal Combat Action
Badge, and the Basic Parachuters Badge.
At the conclusion of his current tour in Afghanistan, Lieutenant
Colonel Clark's next assignment was going to bring him back to Texas as
he was poised to become the executive officer or the second-in-command
of the Reserve Officers Training Core at his alma mater, Texas A&M
University.
In the coming days, Lieutenant Colonel Todd Clark will be laid to
rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in West. Our thoughts and
prayers are with the family of Lieutenant Colonel Todd Clark. He will
be forever remembered as an outstanding soldier, husband, and father.
We thank him and his family for their service and sacrifice for our
country. His sacrifice also reflects the words of Jesus in John 15:13:
``Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for
his friends.''
God bless our military men and women, and God bless America.
____________________