[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 178 (Monday, December 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1882-E1883]
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 Paul Gade served in the United States Navy from 1979 to 1991 
and currently serves in the Naval Reserves. During his time in service, 
Mr. Gade served isolated duty at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. During his 3rd 
Duty Station, Mr. Gade became interested in the SEAL program and in 
1986 he qualified for the program. Having started the SEAL class with 
120 participants, Mr. Gade was one of only 12 original classmates to 
complete the training. During graduation, he was selected as the Lead 
Petty Officer to ring out his class. To date, Mr. Gade is the only 
enlisted man to have that honor while officers present.
  Mr. Gade continued his relentless service by joining the McKinney 
Police Department. He has served in the Patrol Division, as a 
Detective, in the Special Operations Division, and was a SWAT member 
for several years. When the McKinney Police Department was attacked in 
August 2010, Mr. Gade was among the officers to respond to the shooting 
by running into the fray to protect his fellow officers and citizens 
nearby.
  Additionally, on July 4, 2009, Mr. Gade was sworn into the Naval 
Reserves, it's clear his desire to serve his community and country 
after all of these years continues. His contributions leave a legacy 
for us to recognize and honor as he goes out of his way to help fellow 
officers and citizens and has received numerous commendations for his 
actions.
  Sergeant Paul Gade, 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.

[[Page E1883]]



                          ____________________