[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 19 (Wednesday, January 30, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING DR. TWANA COOKS-ALLEN AT CONGRESSMAN VELA'S BLACK HISTORY 
                           MONTH CELEBRATION

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                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 30, 2019

  Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Twana Cooks-Allen 
of Harlingen, Texas for her exceptional service to the Rio Grande 
Valley.
   Since earning her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and Marriage and 
Family Therapy, Dr. Cooks-Allen has been an esteemed professional in 
mental health for over 30 years.
   Dr. Cooks-Allen's experience includes support to the Department of 
Homeland Security and the Department of Defense, as well as local and 
state agencies in Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, and Texas. Throughout 
her career, she has helped patients struggling with depression, post-
traumatic stress disorder, chronic suicidality, substance abuse, sexual 
assault, pedophilia, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and personality 
disorders.
   Dr. Cooks-Allen currently works as Marriage and Family Counselor at 
the Veterans Affairs Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System in 
Harlingen. She is also the proud founder of the Veteran Kids/Teen 
Program at the Veterans Outreach Center. The program provides children 
of veterans with emotional, psychological, and educational assistance.
   A true champion, Dr. Cooks-Allen also spends her spare time helping 
our veterans and their children. Every year she hosts a one-week summer 
camp with activities, meals, and snacks for the children of veterans. 
Her goal is to create a place for these children to discuss their 
concerns and fears and to receive support from their peers, while 
enjoying activities. Not only does she dedicate her time to these 
programs, Dr. Cooks-Allen also funds many of the activities herself.
  I am pleased to recognize Dr. Twana Cooks-Allen for her generous and 
invaluable support in Texas' 34th Congressional District. Whether 
working at the VA or volunteering with veterans, our district and the 
State of Texas are forever grateful for her work. I ask my colleagues 
to join me in thanking her, her family, and friends on this special 
occasion.

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