[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 168 (Wednesday, October 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING SPECIALIST ERIC HALL, 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 
Specialist Eric Hall of Frisco, Texas.
   Specialist Eric Hall began his career in the United States Army as 
an infantryman, in both Scout and Reconnaissance Platoons. He was 
deployed to Iraq and continued his active duty service until June 2010. 
For his valiant efforts in the Army, he was awarded the Army 
Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service 
Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign 
Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Combat Infantry 
Badge to name a few.
   Mr. Hall would spend the next few years of his career in the Army 
National Guard, during which time he attended the University of Texas 
at Dallas, earning a Bachelor of Art in Political Science and a Masters 
in Constitutional Law. As a student, Eric developed a passion for 
servant leadership in organizations including the Young Conservatives 
of Texas, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, the Cares Team, and as a member of 
the Rugby team. His deep desire to ensure equality, as instilled by the 
teachings of family members, led him to continue to serve in a 
multitude of organizations including the Equal Rights Voting Institute, 
22 Fellowship Program, and as a Board Member for the DFW Chapter of the 
Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Texas.
   As an advocate for our military and veterans, Eric has maintained an 
active role in organizations including the Association of the United 
States Army, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Carry the Load. Specialist 
Eric Hall is a leader of service and sacrifice who is wholly deserving 
of this recognition.
   Today a grateful Nation thanks Specialist Hall 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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