[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 25 (Friday, February 8, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E151-E152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF BILLY MARTIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LANCE GOODEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 8, 2019

  Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, Billy Martin joined the National Guard 
while a senior in high school and subsequently applied for active duty 
in the United States Army receiving his first permanent duty station in 
Idar Oberstine, Germany from 1956 to 1959. Over the next 16 years he 
went to the Seventh Army NCO Academy, Officer Candidate School and 
Fixed Wing Flight School attaining the rank of Major. After his first 
12-month tour in Vietnam, Billy transitioned into CH-47 (Chinook) 
helicopters returning to Vietnam as Executive Officer of the 178th 
Aviation Company and as the Combat Operations Officer (S3) of the 123rd 
Aviation Battalion in support of the American Division. During Billy's 
two tours in Vietnam he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross 
twice, the Bronze Star 3 times (one for Valor), the Air Medal thirteen 
times (one for Valor), the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, the 
Meritorious Service Medal, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross. In 1971 he 
was transferred to the University of Nebraska at Omaha for one year so 
he could complete requirements for his Bachelor's degree. In June of 
1972, Billy became an Assistant Professor of Military Science at the 
University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. He retired from Military 
Service on December 31, 1975.
  In retirement Mr. Martin worked as a business consultant eventually 
moving to Dallas. But Billy had always believed he had a calling to be 
a missionary. He taught Sunday school and Bible study, but grew to 
believe he was meant to be a preacher. Due to his age he faced 
roadblocks. Not to be deterred, however, he started taking seminary 
courses and achieved his Master's in Theology degree in 1994.
  In 1998 Billy was told there was a church in Terrell in need of a 
pastor. He went to Terrell and spoke with the Director of Missions, 
Brother Jerry Griffin. Brother Jerry recommended Billy give his resume 
to Emmanuel Baptist Church instead of Grace Temple. Emmanuel called him 
as its pastor that August. More than 20 years as pastor of Emmanuel,

[[Page E152]]

the church has thrived, increasing attendance and adding a new 
education building.
  Pastor Martin has been married to his high school sweetheart Nancy 
for 64 years.

                          ____________________