[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 1, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H3048-H3051]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CENTENNIAL OF AMERICAN LEGION EARL GRAHAM POST 159

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 3, 2019, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Flores) is recognized 
for 60 minutes as the designee of the minority leader.
  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100-year 
anniversary of American Legion Earl Graham Post 159.
  American Legion Post 159 was chartered 13 February 1920 and named 
after First Lieutenant Cyrus Earl Graham, Texas A&M University class of 
1916.
  Lieutenant Graham was a member of the United States Army Air Corps 
and was killed in action in France on 9 November 1918.
  From the beginning, The American Legion created an egalitarian 
organization open to membership regardless of race, gender, or 
religion. Post 159 has embodied these goals and has been a community-
minded organization since its inception 100 years ago.
  During this period, Post 159 has been dedicated to serving the local 
Brazos Valley community through events such as the Brazos County Fair 
and the historical Juneteenth Celebration, both of which were hosted on 
The American Legion grounds. These events saw over 1,000 people come 
together to embrace our community.
  Post 159 of The American Legion continues its commitment to the 
community to this day, with programs that provide activities for local 
youth and veterans, as well as support for Active Duty military members 
serving overseas.
  The annual Resource Fair and Veterans Assistance program provides 
over $20,000 in financial assistance to veterans in need.
  Madam Speaker, it is clear that The American Legion Earl Graham Post 
159 has had a significant and positive impact on the Brazos Valley 
during its 100-year history.
  I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol to recognize this significant milestone and their contributions 
to our veterans and to our community.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our 
country, for our veterans, and for our military men and women who 
protect us and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.


                  Honoring Clifford Spiegelman, Ph.D.

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Dr. Clifford Spiegelman of College Station, Texas, who passed away 
on 14 May 2020.
  Dr. Spiegelman, known as Cliff to his family and friends, was born on 
15 May 1948 in Long Island, New York, to Charlie and Doris Spiegelman.
  In school, he was recognized as an accomplished athlete and won 
numerous awards for track and other sports. He also excelled in the 
classroom and pursued a career in academics, receiving his bachelor of 
science from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1970, his 
master's degree in managerial economics from Northwestern University in 
1973, and his Ph.D. in statistics and applied mathematics from 
Northwestern University in 1976.
  Cliff started his career with the agency now known as the National 
Institute of Standards and Technology, commonly called NIST. He later 
became a tenured professor at the Department of Statistics at Texas A&M 
University.
  Serving on the faculty at Texas A&M for over 30 years, Cliff became 
renowned in his field and a highly sought-after expert in the 
application of statistical expertise to forensic science, chemistry, 
and medicine. In 2019, he was named a distinguished professor of 
statistics, the university's highest rank for faculty. His 
contributions to the field of statistics were further recognized in his 
appointment as a regents professor in 2019.

  Cliff was particularly known for his helpful nature and deep 
commitment to justice and fairness in the criminal justice system. He 
was nationally recognized for his research on statistical 
interpretation of criminal evidence, such as bullet fragment analysis 
and firearm tool marks.
  He was a fierce advocate of accuracy by investigators to prevent 
false convictions. He further expanded his advocacy through his work 
with the Innocence Project, testifying pro bono in evidentiary 
admissibility hearings and providing research that played critical 
roles in overturning false convictions of innocent individuals.
  His commitment to justice extended outside of the courtroom as well. 
He

[[Page H3049]]

served on the Texas Forensic Science Commission as well as the Texas 
Holocaust and Genocide Commission, where he worked to ensure that the 
death statistics of the Holocaust and other genocides are reliably 
reported.
  Dr. Spiegelman leaves a professional legacy that is unmatched in his 
field. However, his proudest accomplishments were outside of the 
workplace.
  Cliff married Dr. Katherine Bretzlaff in 1990, a fellow professor at 
Texas A&M. Together, they raised two daughters, Lindsey and Abigail, 
who each carry their parents' commitments to academic excellence, 
strong work ethic, and kindness to those around them.
  In the tributes written by the many individuals and organizations 
positively impacted by Cliff's work, nearly all spoke of Cliff's pride 
in his family and his frequent excitement to share the achievements of 
his daughters.
  Madam Speaker, Dr. Clifford Spiegelman's life was defined by his 
outstanding accomplishments as a professor, mentor, and expert in 
statistics, as well as his commitment to his family and friends. He 
will be forever remembered for his strong principles and commitment to 
excellence and as a devoted husband, father, and friend.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Spiegelman family. I have requested the United States flag be flown 
over our Nation's Capitol to honor the life, legacy, and service of Dr. 
Clifford Spiegelman.

                              {time}  1815


              Honoring the Life of Lewis Merriman Buttery

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Mr. Lewis Merriman Buttery of Lampasas, Texas, who passed away on 20 
December 2008. Lewis Buttery was born on 20 March 1924 in San Angelo, 
Texas, to Albert James and Dorothy Hoss Buttery.
  On his 18th birthday, just 3 months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, 
he attempted to enlist in the United States Navy. He had hoped to join 
his older brothers in service--one, an Army artillery officer, and the 
other, a naval aviator. Unfortunately, Lewis was denied enlistment at 
that time due to health issues.
  This denial only strengthened his resolve to serve his country. Each 
month he attempted to enlist until he was finally accepted and sworn in 
on 20 October 1942.
  Lewis was called to Active Duty in June of 1943 and was sent to the 
University of Texas to continue pursuit of his engineering degree. He 
was later sent to Midshipmen School at Columbia University in New York. 
In March 1944, Lewis was commissioned as an ensign and ordered to San 
Francisco to complete gunnery school.
  He was ultimately assigned to USS Patrol Craft Escort 880 in Adak, 
Alaska, as a gunnery officer.
  In preparation for the invasion of Japan, his ship was converted into 
a weather ship, and he became the aerological, or weather, officer. The 
ship was transferred to the Marshall-Gilbert Islands area to transmit 
weather observations and to guide Army Air Corps bombers which were 
preparing the way for the invasion of Japan. The invasion did not occur 
due to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, after which Japan 
quickly surrendered.
  Prior to being released to Inactive Duty in the Ready Reserve in July 
1946, he became the executive officer of the ship and was promoted to 
lieutenant junior grade.
  Lewis was called back to Active Duty in June 1950 at the start of the 
Korean war, but his orders were ultimately canceled before he could 
reach his ship in San Diego. Ultimately, Lieutenant Buttery received an 
honorable discharge in 1954.
  Following World War II, Mr. Buttery came home and finished his degree 
in chemical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He also 
married Virginia Kerzee in Limestone County, Texas, raised a family, 
and had a successful career.
  Lewis was also a student of maps and cartography. Prior to the war in 
1941, he completed courses in surveying and mapping at Texas A&M 
University and continued that avocation through the rest of his life. 
During his extensive work-related travels, Mr. Buttery collected 
numerous atlases and maps, which he and his wife later donated to the 
University of Texas at Arlington's Cartographic History Library.
  He was a founding member of the Texas Map Society and author of 
numerous monograph and facsimile portfolios devoted to early Texas. One 
of his works, entitled, ``Regional Maps of Texas: 1720-2001; Region 1 
North Texas,'' contains many valuable insights about the mapping 
history of large portions of Texas. The maps that he and Virginia 
donated and the works that he published will continue to educate future 
generations interested in cartographic history.
  He was very proud of his time in the Navy and believed that it molded 
and shaped him throughout the remainder of his life. In recognition of 
this, the ``Navy Hymn'' was solemnly played at his funeral.
  I have requested that a United States flag be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol to honor the life, legacy, and service of Lewis Merriman 
Buttery.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our 
country in these difficult times, for our military men and women who 
protect us, and the first responders who protect us at home.


                Honoring the Life of Michael Ty Spradlin

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Senior Airman 
Michael Ty Spradlin of Bryan, Texas, who passed way on 5 February 2020. 
Known as Ty to his family and friends, he was killed in a motorcycle 
accident at Yokota Air Force Base in Japan.
  Ty was born 5 March 1991 in Wheelock, Texas, to Theresa Lynn Spradlin 
and Michael Todd Spradlin. He graduated from Bryan High School in 2009 
and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 2012.
  Over his 8 years of service in the United States Air Force, Ty worked 
as a crew chief on a variety of C-130 planes. He traveled to many 
countries and enjoyed the opportunity to see the world.
  During his service, Ty traveled to the Philippines, Australia, 
Thailand, Kuwait, and Korea. He served at three different squadrons 
over those 8 years, including: the 353rd Special Operations Group, 
Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan; the 755th Aircraft Maintenance 
Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona; and the 374th 
Maintenance Squadron, Yokota Air Force Base in Japan.
  Senior Airman Spradlin bravely served his country, and his legacy 
will be forever woven into our American military history. Ty was not 
only a proud public servant; he was a friend to all, a loving son, a 
brother, and an uncle.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Spradlin family.
  I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol to honor the life, legacy, and service of Senior Airman Michael 
Ty Spradlin.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our 
country, for our veterans, for our military men and women, and for our 
first responders who protect us at home.


                  Honoring the Life of Wayne Purselley

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Wayne Purselley of Waco, Texas, who passed away on 29 February 2020.
  Wayne was born on 27 June 1932 in Loving, Texas, to Herman and Ida 
Purselley. He attended Texas A&M University and, upon graduation, was 
commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force, 
ultimately serving for 22 years. He flew 6,000 hours as navigator and 
served as a missile launch officer before retiring as a lieutenant 
colonel.

  Following his retirement from the Air Force, Wayne became a teacher 
and planetarium director for Richfield High School in Waco, where he 
wrote and taught the ``Christ Revealed in the Stars'' lecture series 
for many years.
  Wayne was a dedicated member of Highland Baptist Church for 45 years, 
where he served in both leadership and teaching roles. In addition to 
his many roles within the church community, Wayne served as the 
president of the local Military Officers Association of America 
chapter, as well as the chairman of the McLennan County Republican 
Club.
  Wayne served our community and country for many years, and his legacy 
will be forever woven into our American history.
  Wayne was a committed and faithful husband to his wife, Barbara; a 
loving

[[Page H3050]]

father; a committed teacher; a mentor; a community servant; and a 
friend to many.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Purselley family.
  I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol to honor the life, legacy, and service of Wayne Purselley.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our 
country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who protect 
us, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.


               Honoring the Life of Colonel Glenn Starnes

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Colonel Glenn Starnes, who passed away on 30 March 2020.
  Glenn was born 27 January 1959 as the second son of Charles and 
LaVerne Starnes. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1981 and was 
commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.
  Colonel Starnes led a life of service to both his country as a 
dedicated marine and to the Texas A&M community as a member of the 
Office of the Commandant's staff.
  Glenn served in the Marines for 30 years and commanded at every 
level, from field artillery battery to field artillery regiment. While 
serving his country, he was stationed in seven States and two 
countries. He fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring 
Freedom through two tours of duty in 2003 and 2005. Glenn also served 
on joint duty with the U.S. Central Command and later served as an 
exchange officer with the United Kingdom's Joint Headquarters.
  Colonel Starnes was awarded the Legion of Merit with two Gold Stars, 
the Bronze Star with Combat ``V'' Device, the Defense Meritorious 
Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, and the 
title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire from the Queen of 
England.
  After 30 years of service Glenn retired from the Marine Corps in 
2011.
  In 2012, Colonel Starnes joined the Texas A&M University community as 
assistant commandant for operations and training for A&M's 
internationally recognized Corps of Cadets.
  In his 8 years on this job, Glenn was a tireless worker who loved the 
Corps and the opportunity to serve as mentor for many of its members.
  He was highly respected by his colleagues, and many Aggies feel 
fortunate enough to call him friend. Colonel Starnes' 30 years of 
dedicated service embody the core values of Texas Aggies: respect, 
excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and selfless service. His 
loss will be deeply felt by the Texas A&M community and the Corps of 
Cadets.
  Madam Speaker, Colonel Starnes served his country proudly for many 
years, and his legacy will be forever woven into our American history. 
He was not only a dedicated public servant, he was a loving son, a 
husband, a father, an effective mentor, and a loyal friend to hundreds.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Starnes family.
  I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol to honor the life, legacy, and service of Colonel Glenn 
Starnes.
  As I close today I urge all Americans to continue praying for our 
country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who keep us 
safe, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.


      Honoring the Life of Lieutenant Commander Dennis Lee Hassman

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Lieutenant Commander Dennis Lee Hassman of College Station, who passed 
away on 12 April 2020.
  Lieutenant Commander Hassman graduated from Texas A&M University in 
1988 and subsequently enlisted in the United States Navy.
  During his 20 years in the Navy, he served as a remote control 
mission commander and E-2C airborne mission commander. Dennis also 
served as a naval flight officer and antiterrorism/force protection 
officer. In 2005, Lieutenant Commander Hassman received an MBA from the 
Naval Postgraduate School.
  In 2008, Dennis retired from the Navy and returned to Texas A&M 
University to serve as a member of the Office of the Commandant's staff 
and as a cadet training officer for A&M's internationally recognized 
Corps of Cadets.
  During this time, he worked closely with cadets, providing guidance 
and direction to cadets at the unit, major unit, and Corps levels.
  Madam Speaker, Dennis served his country proudly for many years, and 
his legacy will be forever woven into our American history. The passing 
of Lieutenant Commander Hassman will be deeply felt by all of those in 
the Texas A&M community and by his family and his friends.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Hassman family.
  I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol to honor the life, legacy, and service of Lieutenant Commander 
Dennis Hassman.

  As I close today, I ask all Americans to continue praying for our 
country during these difficult times, for our veterans, for our 
military men and women who protect us, and for our first responders who 
keep us safe at home.


                  Honoring the Life of Edwin H. Cooper

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Edwin H. Cooper of 
San Marcos, Texas. Edwin passed away on 29 March 2020.
  Edwin was born 3 September 1930 to Margaret and Leslie Cooper. He 
graduated from San Marcos High School in 1949 and enrolled in Texas A&M 
University, where he was a proud member of the fighting Texas Aggie 
band. While at Texas A&M, Cooper was also a member of the Alpha Zeta 
Fraternity and was a distinguished student.
  During the summer of 1951, Edwin married his high school sweetheart, 
Peggy Jean Martin.
  In 1953, Edwin received a bachelor of science in wildlife management 
degree and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States 
Army. He attended Armor Basic Camp in Fort Knox, Kentucky, before being 
assigned to the Second Armored Division in Baumholder, Germany.
  After his honorable discharge, Edwin returned to Texas and his family 
to work as an assistant agriculture county agent in Travis County.
  Edwin's professional career combined his two loves: wildlife and 
Texas A&M University. Beginning as a specialist in wildlife 
conservation, he worked his way up to director of office school 
relations and coordinator of special projects--Education Information 
Services, all at Texas A&M University.
  Edwin's professional experience also included specialist in wildlife 
conservation at the Texas Agriculture Extension Service, assistant to 
President Earl Rudder, director of civilian student activities, 
assistant to President Jack K. Williams, director of admissions; dean 
of admissions and records, director--Office of School Relations, and 
coordinator of special projects--Education Information Services, all at 
Texas A&M University.
  He is the author of four books, including one entitled: ``Forty Years 
at Aggieland,'' published in 2013, which detailed his career at Texas 
A&M.
  Upon his retirement, Edwin and his wife, Peggy, moved to Camp Creek 
Lake in Robertson County, where he continued to enjoy fishing, hunting, 
and spending time outdoors with his family and friends.

                              {time}  1830

  Edwin's civic involvement included vice president of the Bryan-
College Station Jaycees, president of the Brazos County A&M Club, 
councilman of the Texas A&M Association of Former Students, and vice 
president of the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce, and Board 
of Directors of the Aggie Band Association.
  Mr. Cooper has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the A&M 
Consolidated Independent School District, chairman of the Board of the 
St. Joseph Hospital, class agent of the Texas A&M class of 1953, 
president of the Executive Committee of College Board-Southwest Region, 
and trustee to College Board. He also served 2 years as chairman of the 
National Membership Committee of College Board. Edwin was 
enthusiastically involved in Methodist church activities in Bryan-
College Station and in Franklin, Texas.
  Madam Speaker, Edwin served his country proudly for many years, and

[[Page H3051]]

his legacy will be forever woven into our American history. Edwin was 
not only a public servant; he was a proud Texas Aggie, a devout 
Methodist, and a committed family man. I will always remember Mr. 
Cooper because his signature is affixed to my Texas A&M diploma.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Cooper family. I have requested that a United States flag be flown 
over our Nation's Capitol to honor the life, legacy, and service of 
Edwin H. Cooper.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue to pray for our 
country during these difficult times, for our veterans, for our 
military men and women who protect us, and for our first responders who 
keep us safe at home.


                 Honoring Colonel David McIntyre, Ph.D.

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Dr. David McIntyre of College Station, Texas, who passed away on 8 
June 2020.
  Dr. McIntyre was born on 13 May 1949, in Houston, Texas, to David and 
Mary McIntyre. From a young age, Dave felt a sense of duty and a call 
to selfless service which guided him throughout his life. He followed 
this call to the United States Military Academy at West Point where he 
was commissioned as armor officer in 1971. Following graduation from 
Airborne School and U.S. Army Ranger School, Dave was assigned as a 
scout platoon leader and jumpmaster in the 82nd Airborne Division at 
Fort Bragg in North Carolina.
  Over 30 years of dedicated service, Dave traveled all over the United 
States and to more than 45 foreign countries. He served with an armored 
cavalry reconnaissance unit at the Czechoslovakian border, flew to the 
base of Mt. Everest in a Russian Mi-17 Hip helicopter, participated in 
the changing of the guard with the Gurkha Rifles at the Khyber Pass, 
and led a delegation to Angkor Wat.
  In addition to his many years of service in the field, Dave placed 
great focus on academics and serving our country through education. He 
graduated with honors from the Command and General Staff College and 
earned his first master's degree from Auburn University. He then went 
on to serve as a professor of English literature at West Point while 
earning a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. After 30 years of 
service, Dave retired as a colonel from his post as Dean of Faculty and 
Academics at the National War College in Washington, D.C.
  In June 2008 Dave was appointed to the National Security Education 
Board by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the Senate. He 
served on this board for 4 years until 2012. From 2010 to 2014 he was a 
Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Homeland Security Studies and 
Analysis Institute in Washington, D.C. His time in D.C. also included 
providing congressional testimony and national strategic documents for 
the Army Chief of Staff and serving on the National Board of Directors 
of the InfraGard National Members Alliance. In addition to serving on 
many other boards and committees, he also served as a board member of 
the Homeland Security and Defense Education Consortium.
  Following his retirement, David accepted a position as a professor at 
Texas A&M University through his role as founding director of the Texas 
A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service graduate Certificate 
in Homeland Security program, his legacy of expertise in homeland 
security will live long through the knowledge and expertise in homeland 
security that he shared with his students.
  Also, while serving as a professor at Texas A&M, Dave continued to 
advise the U.S. Government on many projects and published a series of 
textbooks on homeland security. Dave also spoke at conferences and 
events as a premier subject matter expert of homeland security.
  Dave's life was dedicated to his call to service, and through this 
journey he met his wife, Cathy. Together they raised two sons who share 
their father's spirit of service. He relished spending time with his 
family and seven grandchildren at home in College Station, Texas.
  I first met Colonel McIntyre when he and I ran for this congressional 
seat in 2010. As I got to know him, I found him to be a fierce 
competitor, a policy expert, a committed public servant, a man of 
integrity, and an ultimate gentleman. I can tell you firsthand that we 
will miss his contributions to Brazos Valley and to our Nation.
  Madam Speaker, Dr. David McIntyre's life was defined by his 
outstanding accomplishments as Army officer, professor, an expert in 
homeland security, as well as his commitment to his family and friends. 
He will be forever remembered as a true leader in his field, a devoted 
husband, father, and friend.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the McIntyre family. I have requested that the United States flag be 
flown over our Nation's Capitol to honor the life, legacy, and service 
of Dr. David McIntyre.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our 
country during these difficult times, for our veterans, for our 
military men and women who protect us, and for our responders who keep 
us safe at home.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________