[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 37 (Thursday, March 2, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING COLONEL BENTLEY NETTLES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 2, 2017

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Bentley 
Nettles, who is retiring after more than 30 years of service to our 
country in the United States Army.
  Colonel Nettles served for 31 years as a commissioned officer in the 
United States Army, where he served peacekeeping tours of duty in 
Bosnia, and combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. In this capacity, 
Colonel Nettles served as Infantry Officer, Judge Advocate Officer, 
Information Operations Officer and Red Team Leader. He also served for 
28 years in the Texas Army National Guard, where he was activated for 
support operations in response to hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and 
border security.
  Over his military career, Colonel Nettles has been awarded 24 awards 
and badges. Such recognition includes: three Bronze Stars, the Purple 
Heart, and the Combat Action Badge. In keeping with the spirit of the 
Warrior Ethos, he was awarded the Combat Action Badge, which provides 
special recognition to Soldiers who personally engage the enemy, or are 
engaged by the enemy during combat operations. Colonel Nettles has also 
been awarded the Legion of Merit, one of the United States Military's 
most prestigious awards. The medal is awarded for exceptionally 
meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and 
achievements.
  Mr. Speaker, our Nation's history is grounded in the efforts of our 
men and women who have served in uniform. We must continue to honor 
them after they have left the armed services by making sure that they 
have the access they need to educational, health, and career services. 
Colonel Nettles truly believes this; and so in 2014 I awarded Colonel 
Nettles the TX-17 Congressional Veterans Commendation. He received this 
recognition because beyond the medals and the stars, the pins and the 
ribbons, Colonel Nettles understands the meaning of giving back. He is 
a founding member and active supporter of the local Wounded Warriors 
chapter, which has raised tens of thousands of dollars to support our 
heroes wounded in the line of duty. He is also the Vice Chairman of 
Brazos Valley Cares, which works to provide financial support for 
veterans and their families.
  I am also proud to call Colonel Nettles a fellow Former Student of 
Texas A&M University. He earned his bachelor's degree in business 
management and has embraced what it means to be an Aggie, especially 
the core values of excellence and selfless-service. In addition to his 
significant military service, Colonel Nettles has kept his ties to the 
university and given back to the Aggie community. Through a large 
financial gift, he has helped ensure that Texas A&M maintains its 
global footprint and continues to influence students around the world.
  Today, I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the 
United States Capitol to honor the many contributions of Colonel 
Bentley Nettles. As I close, I urge all Americans to continue praying 
for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and 
women who protect us from external threats, and for our first 
responders who protect us here at home.

                          ____________________