[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 178 (Monday, December 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1887]
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:
  Serving in the United States Navy for ten years, Commander Jeff 
Hensley began his military career after graduating from the University 
of Texas in August 1988. After finishing top of his class in flight 
school, he was assigned to fly an F-14 and deployed with Fighter 
Squadron 2 and 211. He later moved to Dallas where he served with the 
Navy Recruiting Office, which led him to Baghdad in 2005. From 
deployment to civilian services, Mr. Hensely has seen the whole 
spectrum of military service. Due to his exemplary leadership and 
patriotism, Hensley was awarded the Bronze Star, an Air Medal, and 
three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
  Having retired from active duty in 2008, his service to his country 
and the military continue to this day. He used the benefits of the new 
GI Bill to earn a master's degree in counseling to help other veterans 
make the transition from military life to civilian life. With his 
degree, Mr. Hensley worked with Rocky Top Equine therapy program and 
Equest's Hooves for Heroes program, where he serves as Program 
Coordinator. Furthermore, he now serves as the Texas head of the Iraq 
and Afghanistan Veterans Association, IAVA, which serves over 10,000 
IAVA members in Texas alone. Daily, he seeks the betterment of his 
fellow veterans and their families. His life work leaves a legacy to be 
honored, setting an example for future generations of a man whose 
commitment to serve never faded. IAVA's motto, ``building the next 
greatest generation'' couldn't be more fitting.
  Commander Jeff Hensley, 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.

                          ____________________