[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 135 (Thursday, July 30, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF COLONEL GLENN STARNES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 30, 2020

  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 La 
Verne 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 
decorated 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.

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