[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 178 (Monday, December 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION 
                    FOR THE THIRD DISTRICT OF TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 16, 2013

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor 
fourteen distinguished military veterans, community servants, and 
American patriots who call the Third District of Texas home. All 
faithfully answered the call of duty and placed service above self for 
the sake of our great Nation. Each one leaves a legacy to be 
remembered, for future generations to follow, a legacy of bravery, 
loyalty, dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless service, bold 
leadership, and undying commitment for their neighbor and nation, the 
following individual has been selected as a recipient of the third 
annual Congressional Veteran Commendation:
  Sergeant Major Daniel Huff served in the United States Marine Corps 
from 1981 to 2010. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the 
Marine Corps, starting his career at Boot Camp and Administrative Clerk 
School. In 1983, then-Corporal Huff was transferred to the United 
Nations Command in Seoul, South Korea, where he earned his first Navy 
Achievement Medal. He was then assigned to the Inspector-Instructor 
Staff, 25th Marines, in Massachusetts and earned his promotion to 
Sergeant.
  Later on in his career, Mr. Huff served as Senior Drill Instructor to 
mold young men into exemplary character with traits of honorable 
service to God and country and then as Administrative Chief to several 
Marine bases, the last being in Quantico, Virginia. He served in 
Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II, earning the Meritorious Service Medal 
and Bronze Star with Combat V Medal for heroic actions in intense 
combat situations. For instance, on April 14, 2004 in Karabilah, Iraq, 
a roadside bomb exploded and enemy fire unleashed on all sides of the 
Battalion Commander's convoy. During this attack, Mr. Huff provided 
first-aid to a critically wounded Marine while simultaneously returning 
fire. He then ensured the medical evacuation of 22 other wounded 
comrades and led the Marines to secure the medical evacuation route. 
During the following five days, the Battalion destroyed over 80 enemy 
insurgents, safeguarding the city from an attempted takeover by anti-
Iraqi Forces. Mr. Huffs extensive career and numerous decorations only 
scratch the surface of his exemplary leadership, dedication, and 
sacrifice.
  Currently, Mr. Huff works for Dyncorp International in Fort Worth, 
Texas, where he oversees approximately 10,000 to 11,000 personnel at 
the Afghanistan base. He also volunteers in the community with the Toys 
for Tots Program, as a USMC JROTC mini-boot camp program supervisor, 
and represents the Marine Corps in various community events around the 
DFW metroplex.
  Sergeant Major Daniel Huff, let me both thank and congratulate you on 
your exceptional service to our country and community both past and 
present. It is my pleasure to award you the 2013 Congressional Veteran 
Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

                          ____________________