[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 141 (Tuesday, November 18, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE HONOR FLIGHT OF SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO AND EL PASO, TEXAS

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                           HON. BETO O'ROURKE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 18, 2014

  Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to recognize the Honor 
Flight of Southern New Mexico and El Paso, Texas, a distinguished 
Veterans Service Organization in my district.
  The Honor Flight of Southern New Mexico and El Paso, Texas, is 
comprised of dedicated volunteers in our area who go above and beyond 
in serving veterans. The group develops new relationships and 
cultivates existing bonds among our veteran community, elected 
officials and government agencies; honors the memory of service members 
who died in service; and assists in fulfilling a lifelong goal of 
visiting our nation's capital. Honor Flight sends World War II and 
Korean veterans to Washington, D.C., to see their memorials at no cost 
to the veterans.
  This year, the Honor Flight of Southern New Mexico and El Paso, 
Texas, will take off on October 6 and return October 8, 2014. Sixty-
five veterans will participate, most of them World War II veterans. The 
group will depart October 6 on two planes and will receive a memorable 
departure assisted by the Fort Bliss Quintet Band and the Red Cross 
ladies in vintage uniform. The group will also receive a Hero's Welcome 
Home along with an honor guard, families of participating veterans and 
a bagpipe and drum corps.
  Honor Flight of Southern New Mexico was established in 2008 by 
business and community leaders who were devoted to honoring our 
Veterans. Honor Flight of Southern New Mexico added El Paso, Texas, in 
October 2013. This year will mark their seventh flight back to 
Washington, D.C., allowing Veterans the opportunity to see their 
memorial.
  I thank the Honor Flight of Southern New Mexico and El Paso, Texas, 
for their commitment to honoring our veterans and for helping to 
strengthen the bonds among veterans in the El Paso community. I am glad 
that Veteran Service Organizations like these exist in our area and I 
thank them for their selfless service to honor many of those we call 
the ``Greatest Generation.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to 
honor and recognize the Honor Flight of Southern New Mexico and El 
Paso, Texas.

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