[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 160 (Thursday, September 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE PASADENA LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO VETERAN'S COMMITTEE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 27, 2018

  Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pasadena 
Livestock Show and Rodeo Veteran's Committee in celebration of Military 
Appreciation Night.
  The Pasadena Livestock show and rodeo, located in Pasadena, Texas has 
been entertaining the citizens of Pasadena and surrounding cities since 
1949 with Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo action; 
livestock and home economics competitions; and concerts. One of the 
main goals of the Rodeo is awarding scholarships to students from 
Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte, and Clear Creek school districts.
  Since its inception in 2012, the Veteran's Committee has continually 
recognized local veterans and provided veterans and their families an 
opportunity to become more involved in the Rodeo. Thanks to the work of 
the Veteran's Committee, veterans are picked up from the Michael E. 
DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston and provided a police escort to 
the rodeo grounds. At the rodeo veterans receive: a barbeque dinner, 
special tour of the agricultural barn, recognition during the rodeo 
performance, and VIP seating. Active Duty military personnel are also 
recognized on Military Appreciation Night.
  In 2014, the Rodeo and Veteran's Committee started a new tradition 
when Army recruits received their Oath of Enlistment on the arena floor 
in front of the rodeo audience. This event has grown into a joint 
branch swearing in ceremony. Members of the Veteran's Committee and 
Active Duty military personnel join the recruits on the floor 
establishing a past, present, and future military presence during the 
ceremony.
  Mr. Speaker, as a former guardsman and Air Force officer, and as the 
father of a highly-decorated Navy SEAL, it is a tremendous honor and 
privilege to be asked to administer the Oath of Enlistment to these 
young men and women on Saturday, September 29th.
  This year the Rodeo is honoring heroes who were declared Missing in 
Action (M.I.A.). America must never forget these service members and 
their families.
  May God richly bless our Nation's veterans for their sacrifice. May 
He continue to protect those who are serving and those who will be 
serving. My prayers are also with the families of those who lost love 
ones and those who are Missing in Action.

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