[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 170 (Monday, October 28, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING TECHNICAL SERGEANT PAT MINER, RECIPIENT OF TEXAS' THIRD 
     CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2019 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

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                            HON. VAN TAYLOR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 28, 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 
Technical Sergeant Pat Miner of Plano, Texas.
   Technical Sergeant Patrick Miner had a twenty-year career as an 
United States Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer, beginning his service 
in 1976 at Lockland Air Force Base in Texas. During his time in the 
military, he deployed to Japan with the 3rd Marine Division as well as 
the Fleet Marine Force--Pacific. During Operations Desert Shield and 
Desert Storm, he served as a broadcast manager at U.S. Central Command, 
supervising communications and broadcasts to foreign countries. As an 
Air Force Broadcast Journalist and Public Affairs Newscaster, his 
coverage, including the 1982 release of American hostages from Iran, 
would earn him two Thomas Jefferson Awards, the Department of Defense's 
highest honor recognizing journalists for outstanding achievements in 
furthering their Internal Information Program.
   As a decorated military veteran, Mr. Miner received the Air Force 
Commendation Medal three times, the Longevity Service Award three 
times, the NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon twice, the 
Organizational Excellence Award twice, and the Good Conduct Medal five 
times.
   Following his distinguished military career, Pat worked as a 
television producer for the Social Security Administration for twenty-
three years. Following his move to Plano in 1996, Mr. Miner developed 
deep roots within the community, holding roles on the Plano Independent 
School District Council of PTAs, as the President of the Plano 
Homeowners Council, and on the Plano Transition and the Revitalization 
Commission. Giving back to the community is of paramount importance to 
Mr. Miner, and he was twice elected to the Plano City Council, holding 
positions as the Mayor Pro Tem and the Deputy Mayor Pro Tem. Civic 
involvement is also an important component of Pat's life, as evidenced 
by his role as Past-President of the North Texas Pioneers Rotary Club 
for which he was recognized with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. 
Today, Pat is currently working to recognize our first responders who 
have given all through his efforts on the Plano Police and Firefighters 
Memorial Fund. Sergeant Patrick Miner is a hometown hero who has served 
both his country and community in meaningful ways and we are honored to 
recognize him with this award.
   Today, a grateful Nation thanks Technical Sergeant Miner 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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