[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 168 (Wednesday, October 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING SERGEANT STEVEN DEFFIBAUGH, RECIPIENT OF TEXAS' THIRD 
     CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2019 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

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                            HON. VAN TAYLOR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 23, 2019

  Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, it is my privilege to honor twelve 
distinguished military veterans from Texas' Third Congressional 
District who answered the call to serve their Nation honorably, both in 
uniform and following their return to civilian life. The recipients of 
the 2019 Congressional Veteran Commendation exemplify the time-honored 
qualities of patriotism, service before self, and bold leadership. 
Following their time in service, their efforts in our community have 
earned these fine individuals recognition as the recipients of this 
prestigious commendation. Their stories of sacrifice will encourage 
future generations to pursue a life dedicated to the very values we 
cherish as Americans: faith, freedom, and democracy. One such hero is 
Sergeant Steven Deffibaugh of Princeton, Texas.
   A native of Borger, Texas, Sergeant Steven Deffibaugh served in the 
United States Marine Corps in the 5th Marine Division from 1969 to 
1972. For his distinguished service to our Nation, he was awarded the 
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and 
Marksman Rifle Badge. He received degrees from Grayson County College 
and Abilene Christian University at Dallas.
   After returning from his time in service, Sergeant Deffibaugh chose 
to pursue a new avenue of leadership in law enforcement, serving in 
both the Van Alstyne and McKinney Police Departments prior to working 
as a Collin County Deputy Sheriff. Mr. Deffibaugh would later begin a 
career as an investigator with the Collin County District Attorney's 
office where he would remain until his retirement in 2011. Due to his 
deep commitment in Collin County, he would also serve as Reserve Deputy 
Constable for Precinct 2. In addition to his stellar service in law 
enforcement, Mr. Deffibaugh also played a role as a volunteer fireman, 
County Fire Marshall, and Assistant Fire Chief for the City of 
Princeton until his retirement in 2018. Mr. Deffibaugh's leadership and 
commitment to his community was further reflected in his role as the 
Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore of Princeton, and through his efforts as 
the President of the Princeton Community Development Corporation.
   In his civic life, Mr. Deffibaugh has volunteered as a Scoutmaster, 
Little League Coach, and church deacon. He is also a founding member of 
the Jacob D. Hayes Marine Corps League, where he has tirelessly 
coordinated the Collin County Toys for Tots program and led the 
organization as the Chaplain. Sergeant Steven Deffibaugh has led a 
remarkable life of service to his community and is to be commended for 
his tireless efforts.
   Today a grateful Nation thanks Sergeant Deffibaugh for his 
exceptional service and congratulates him on this recognition. May his 
steadfast example of leadership inspire others to live a life of 
service to a cause greater than themselves. It is my extreme honor to 
award him the 2019 Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third 
District of Texas.

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