[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 30, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF BRIG. GENERAL CECIL NEELY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2014

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor General Cecil 
Neely, an American hero, dedicated public servant, and a friend.
  After getting his first taste of public service as President of the 
Madisonville High School Honor Society, Cecil first took those 
leadership skills to Sam Houston State University and then into the 
U.S. Army. Rising from Private to Brigadier General is no small feat. 
It takes a soldier's soldier to climb that ladder.
  General Neely spent nearly three decades serving his country above 
and beyond the call of duty. Not only was he honored with our nation's 
highest peacetime award, the Distinguished Service Medal, he received 
the Bronze Star for valor in Vietnam, as well as the Combat 
Infantryman's Badge, the Parachutists' Badge, and numerous other U.S. 
and foreign awards.
  It is no wonder this former member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is 
also a member of the Infantry ``Hall of Fame'' at the United States 
Army Infantry School.
  General Neely returned to Sam Houston State University to earn his 
Master's degree in history. And after his retirement from the military 
he dove into another form of public service as County Judge of Madison 
County. Resolving redistricting issues and cutting property taxes while 
improving medical services, it took Judge Neely's work to establish a 
District Attorney's office and a ``one-stop'' center to bring county 
and state services together.
  General Neely prepared Madison County--and the Brazos Valley--for the 
21st century. As a chairman of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments 
from 2001-2002, and member from 1994-2006, Cecil Neely has led by 
example at every step.
  Of course, he couldn't have done it all without the great support 
system he has in his wife, Lynn and their children, Susan, Russell, and 
Michael.
  Our communities and our entire nation have been blessed by his 
service. Brigadier General Cecil Neely, thank you and job well done, 
sir.

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