[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 197 (Thursday, November 19, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H5983-H5986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF VINCENT ``PIKE'' ANDERSON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Slotkin). 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 honor the life and legacy 
of Vincent Anderson of Hewitt, Texas. Affectionately known as Pike by 
his family and friends, he passed away on October 7, 2020, following a 
courageous battle with cancer.
  Pike was born August 18, 1944, in Sedalia, Missouri, to John Kenneth 
Anderson and Genevieve Katherine Collier Anderson. As a child, his 
family moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where he graduated from Provine 
High School in 1962. In 1967, Pike graduated from Mississippi State 
University, where he was a member of the Army ROTC program and the 
Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
  Following Army flight school, Pike deployed to Vietnam, where he flew 
AH-1G Cobra helicopter gunships for the Air Calvary. He was awarded the 
Distinguished Flying Cross in 1970 for his service in the A Shau 
Valley. In 1973, he was promoted to captain, and later, honorably 
discharged at the conclusion of his active military service.
  In 1977, Pike went on to earn his master's degree from the University 
of South Alabama. Following graduation, they moved to Waco, Texas, 
where he accepted a job with the Veterans Administration. After 23 
years at the VA, Pike retired in March 2000 as the chief of 
kinesiotherapy.
  Pike served on active duty with the Texas National Guard during this 
time from March 1986 to August 2005, when he retired from the U.S. Army 
with the rank of chief warrant officer. Upon the second retirement, he 
worked with the Military Order of the Purple Heart as a National 
Service Officer assisting veterans with VA claims at the Waco VA 
Regional Office. In 2008, he received the Kenneth Richardson Award as 
the National Service Officer of the Year.
  Pike retired from service with the Order of the Purple Heart as the 
Region 5 Deputy Regional Field Supervisor in 2015. He remained active 
with the local veterans community and served as a charter member, 
quartermaster, and commander of VFW Post 6008 in Hewitt, Texas.
  In addition to his many years of dedicated military and veteran 
service, Pike Anderson served on the Hewitt City Council for 16 years, 
including two terms as mayor.

                              {time}  1700

  He was instrumental in the development of several transportation 
projects and the Veterans Memorial at Hewitt Park.
  Pike contributed a great deal of his time to his family as well as to 
the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit where he served on the vestry 
and became a lay minister. Pike and Marcia, his wife of 52 years, were 
blessed with three beautiful daughters and nine grandchildren. He 
leaves behind a legacy of service to his family, the community of 
Hewitt, and to our Nation.
  Madam Speaker, Pike Anderson served his country proudly for many 
years, and his legacy will be forever woven into our American history. 
Pike was not only a public servant; he was a devout Christian and a 
committed family man.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Anderson family. I have requested the United States flag be flown 
over the Nation's Capitol to honor the life, legacy, and service of 
Pike Anderson.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue to pray for our 
country during these difficult times, pray for our veterans, pray for 
our military servicemen and -women, and pray for our first responders 
who keep us safe at home.


             Honoring the Life and Legacy of Joe Earl West

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Mr. Joe Earl West of College Station, Texas, who passed away on 5 
June 2020.
  Joe West was born on 8 March 1932 in Woodward, Texas, to Joe C. and 
Jozie Oakes West. He grew up on his family's

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farm with four younger siblings; three brothers and a sister. At the 
age of 15 his family moved to Cotulla, Texas, following the death of 
his younger brother, Robby.
  In high school, Joe quickly became enamored with Texas A&M University 
and decided he had to see it for himself. Setting out from Cotulla, Joe 
took a bus and arrived in College Station very late the next evening. 
Upon his arrival, Joe discovered that there were no vacancies at the 
local Aggieland Inn. But in an act characteristic of Aggie kindness, 
the hotel clerk phoned A&M Veterinary Medicine Professor, Dr. Hal 
Redmond and his wife, who graciously hosted Joe at their house that 
weekend.
  Joe's love for Texas A&M continued to grow after he enrolled, and he 
quickly became an integral part of the Aggie community. By the 
conclusion of his undergraduate studies, he had participated in the 
Corps of Cadets, the Fish baseball team, and was elected to serve as 
Senior Yell leader his senior year. In 1956, Joe graduated with his 
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M School of 
Veterinary Medicine and was later commissioned into the U.S. Air Force 
Veterinary Corps.
  A lifelong learner, Joe earned his master's in radiation biology from 
the University of Rochester before moving to California to pursue his 
Ph.D. in comparative pathology from UC Davis. While studying there at 
Davis, Joe met Carolyn Francis, a talented microbiologist; and it was 
love at first sight. Shortly after their wedding, Joe received orders 
from the Air Force Veterinary Corps to report to Washington, D.C. There 
he taught his passion, radiation biology, to dentists, doctors, and 
veterinarians working on radiation effects, including those of space 
travel.
  After 22 years of dedicated service, Colonel West retired from the 
Air Force with many distinctions, including the Air Force Commendation 
Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the 
Legion of Merit.
  Joe also served the Texas A&M University system for 18 years. During 
that time, he served as president of the A&M Yell Leaders Association, 
as a faculty adviser to the Corps of Cadets where he was a speaker at 
the 2001 Texas Aggie Muster Ceremony in College Station. Some of Joe's 
proudest accolades were being chosen as a Distinguished Alumnus of the 
A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001 and as a Distinguished 
Alumnus of Texas A&M University in 2011, the latter being the highest 
recognition that can be bestowed upon a Texas Aggie, and he was also 
inducted into the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor in 2014.
  Professionally, Joe excelled within his chosen field of veterinary 
medicine. He was a delegate to the American Veterinary Medical 
Association, the president of the Texas Academy of Veterinary Practice, 
and a highly regarded clinical pathologist at the Texas A&M Veterinary 
Medical Diagnostic Laboratory.
  Following retirement, Joe contributed a great deal of his time to his 
family and to the A&M United Methodist Church in College Station. Joe 
was blessed with four children and three grandchildren with whom he 
enjoyed spending time, sharing his love of Texas A&M, and teaching them 
all how to live by the Aggie Code of Honor.
  Madam Speaker, Joe served his country proudly for many years, and his 
legacy will be forever woven into our American history. Joe was not 
only a public servant, he was a proud Texas Aggie, a devout Christian, 
and committed family man.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the West family. I have requested that the United States flag be flown 
over our Nation's Capitol to honor the life, legacy, and service of Joe 
Earl West.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our 
country during these difficult times, for our military men and women 
who protect it, for our veterans, and for our first responders who keep 
us safe at home.


         Honoring the Life and Legacy of Wallace Lee Edge, Sr.

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Wallace Lee Edge, Sr.
  Wallace Lee Edge, known as Lee to his family and friends, was born 17 
March 1919 in Bryan, Texas, as the seventh of nine children to George 
P. and Mae Harris Edge.
  Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor at the age of 21, Lee 
answered the call to service and enlisted in the United States Army. 
Upon completion of basic training, Lee was promoted to sergeant and was 
trained to lead an artillery battery.

  Lee participated in Operation Overlord, landing on Utah Beach along 
with thousands of other ``Tough Ombres'' serving in the famed 90th 
Infantry Division.
  Serving in the ``A'' battery of the 343rd Field Artillery Battalion, 
Lee earned the affection and respect of the men he served with. As they 
made their way across France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and 
Czechoslovakia, Lee participated in some of the fiercest fighting in 
Europe, including in the Battle of the Bulge. For his meritorious 
service in the war, Lee was awarded a Bronze Star and Bronze Arrowhead.
  Upon returning from Europe, Lee embarked on various ventures before 
settling down in Houston where he worked at Sears, Roebuck for almost 
25 years.
  In August of 1961, while working at Sears, Lee met the love of his 
life, Francis Rudek. A month later he proposed, and by November of that 
year, they were married. During their marriage, they lived the American 
Dream, raising four boys and building a family in Houston, Texas.
  Nothing was more important to Lee than his family. On Independence 
Day of 1974, while on a family vacation to the Brazos River near 
Millican, Texas, their 11-year old son, Wally, began to struggle in the 
water. Lee dove in fully clothed to save him, however, he perished in 
an unsuccessful attempt to save his first-born son.
  Lee Edge's life was dedicated by service to his God, his country, and 
his family. Lee is survived by his wife Francis, his sons, James, 
George, Ron, and three grandsons that would have been the pride of his 
life, Douglas, Matthew, and James.
  Madam Speaker, Wallace Lee Edge, Sr. served his country proudly for 
many years, and his legacy will be forever woven into our bright 
American history. Lee was not only committed to his country, but he was 
a man of faith who was wholeheartedly committed to his family and to 
his community.
  I have requested that the United States flag be flown over our 
Nation's Capitol to honor his life and his legacy.
  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 keep us safe, and for our first responders 
who keep us safe at home.


             Honoring the Life and Legacy of Lee Wayne Russ

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Lee Wayne Russ, a courageous law enforcement officer who paid the 
ultimate sacrifice in service to others. Twenty years ago, on 29 
October 2000, he lost his life while protecting innocent persons.
  Lee Wayne Russ was born on 19 June 1952 in El Paso, Texas. The son of 
a police lieutenant and a registered nurse, he was instilled with the 
value of service to others from a very early age. He began his career 
in law enforcement and joined the Ward County Sheriff's Office in 1989.
  On that fateful day in October of 2000, Deputy Russ was the first 
officer to respond to a domestic disturbance in progress at a home in 
Monahans, Texas. As he entered the home, he immediately took action to 
disarm the suspect and protect the victim, Ms. Norma Sepulveda Esparza.
  In the struggle that ensued, Lee received multiple stab wounds that 
would ultimately prove to be fatal. As the suspect resumed his attack 
on Ms. Sepulveda, Lee summoned his remaining strength to retrieve his 
service revolver and fatally shot the attacker before succumbing to his 
own injuries.
  That day, domestic violence claimed the lives of two innocent people, 
Mr. Russ and the person he was protecting, resulting in six children 
losing a beloved parent. Any law enforcement officer will tell you that 
domestic disturbances are among the most dangerous situations for an 
officer to encounter. When the 911 call came across the radio, however, 
Lee did not hesitate to put himself in harm's way in service to 
another.

[[Page H5985]]

  A warrior and a protector up to his last breath, Lee's final act was 
his valiant attempt to save the life of someone he had never even met. 
He truly exemplified the words of Jesus in John 15:13, ``Greater love 
hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.''
  Lee was surrounded by a community of friends where he was known for 
his kind and generous personality and his quick sense of humor. He had 
a reputation as an exceedingly fair and just peace officer who could 
diffuse tense situations. He took his oath to protect and serve 
seriously on and off duty, and he never turned down a request for help.
  Representative of his studious nature, he knew the Texas Penal Code 
backwards and forwards, and he continually sought out additional 
opportunities to become a better peace officer through training and 
education.
  When people share stories of Lee, they often recall the small details 
that made him unique. He would not drive a patrol car without his 
signature beaded seat cover and a rope on the gear shift to fidget 
with. His regular trips to the library gave him a new stack of 
paperback novels, often 2- to 3-feet high, that he would quickly work 
through and then exchange them for others. He kept notepads next to his 
bed, his phone, and anywhere else he might suddenly feel the need to 
jot down a reminder or to write a note to a loved one. He distrusted 
computers and resisted learning how to use one; until, that is, he 
found out he could play solitaire on one.
  Two decades later, his legacy lives on. Lee's story is told in police 
academy training sessions to illustrate the power of the will to 
survive and how to fight for the protection of others. In recognition 
of his service and sacrifice, the Ward County Sheriff's facility now 
bears his name. There, the Lee Russ Memorial Law Enforcement Center, 
includes a bronzed portrait of him where he watches over his brothers 
and sisters in blue.
  Above all else, Lee should be remembered for his love for his family. 
He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and father. Left to carry Lee's 
legacy are his three children now grown, Jason Russ, Benjamin Russ, and 
Miranda Russ Henderson. His two grandchildren, Barrett Russell 
Henderson and Madison Renee Henderson, will grow up with the lessons 
left from their Grandpa Russ and the stories of his humor, his bravery, 
and his kindness.

  Madam Speaker, Russ was a true American hero, a man of faith, and a 
dedicated family man. His life embodied selfless service, and it serves 
as an example to us all.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Russ family on this unfortunate anniversary, and I have requested 
the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to honor the 
life, legacy, service, and sacrifice of Lee Russ.
  As I close today, I ask all Americans to continue praying for our 
country during these difficult times, for our military men and women 
who protect it, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.


              Honoring the Life and Legacy of Billy Gibson

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Billy Brannon Gibson of Huntsville, Alabama, who passed away on 6 
October 2020. Bill was born on 1 November 1920 in Blount County, 
Alabama, to Laura and George W. Gibson.
  When World War II broke out, Billy wanted nothing more than to wear 
the Marine uniform and to join the fight against the Axis Powers. It 
would take Billy two attempts to become a Marine. His first try was in 
1941; and at 6 foot 3 inches tall, Billy was deemed too tall for his 
weight. He tried again about 2 years later, before which he ate a half-
dozen bananas and drank a quart of buttermilk in order to gain more 
weight when he arrived at the recruiting office. He also bent his knees 
as he was measured for his height, putting him at an even 6 feet. His 
efforts were successful, and they enlisted him in the Marine Corps at 
that time.
  Billy quit his job at the cotton mill, trained on 60-millimeter 
mortar equipment, and then was qualified as a sharpshooter. He then 
headed out to the South Pacific. His first stop was Guadalcanal where 
his military career almost ended when he got hit in the head and 
shoulder by a military vehicle. His right ear was dangling by a thread, 
and his shoulder was broken. His superiors wanted to send him home. He 
begged to go on to fight in Okinawa, but he kept being told he was not 
fit for combat. They ultimately agreed to let him go fight and fight he 
did.
  After his company landed on Okinawa, he was part of the battle 
referred to as ``82 days of hell and rain.'' He does not recall being 
scared all the time, but he did say his worst scare came from a rat. 
Just before they had made it to the front line, he and two buddies 
stopped at a torn down house where they were going to sleep. During the 
night, a rat jumped out of the attic and hit him in the chest. He said 
that event was the closest he ever came to dying up to that point.

                              {time}  1715

  Later during the fight, he almost drowned in his foxhole. A mortar 
round exploded less than 3 feet away from him, killing all five men 
around him.
  Billy once said that the greatest adventure you can ever have is to 
go into mortal combat and beat the enemy. He is proud of what he and 
his fellow marines did on behalf of our country.
  At least one marine credits Billy with saving his life. He and Billy 
were behind a bluff trying to sneak up on a sniper in a cave. As his 
buddy was moving from behind one boulder to another, he got shot in the 
chest. Billy caught him and called for the corpsman to come tend to 
him.
  He did not see how his buddy would survive those injuries. 
Nonetheless, Billy got him to safety and went back to take out the 
sniper.
  Later, after the Marines had left Okinawa, Billy received a letter 
from his injured marine buddy thanking him for saving his life. Billy 
said he never felt like a hero. He said he was just doing his job.
  Billy's outfit, Company A of the 6th Marine Division's First 
Battalion, 29th Regiment, suffered 300 percent casualties. In other 
words, Company A was basically wiped out three times. Miraculously, 
Billy and four other marines were the only original company members who 
were not killed or wounded.
  After serving our country, Billy met and married his wife, Alma 
Christine Gibson. They moved to Huntsville, Alabama, and Billy went to 
work for NASA in the space and missile program. He was awarded the 
prestigious Silver Snoopy Award for his work there.
  Billy enjoyed attending his church, fishing, and playing in a local 
bowling league, but his favorite pastime was golfing.
  His grandchildren say that he was their hero and that he was 
everything they dreamed a grandpa could be.
  Billy was striving to make it to his 100th birthday, and, boy, did he 
get close. Unfortunately, he passed away just 26 days shy of achieving 
that mark and just 25 days shy of celebrating 73 years with his beloved 
wife.
  Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Alma Christine 
Gibson; two sons, Gregory and Roger; two daughters, Cathy and Karen; 
seven grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren, four of which are my 
grandkids.
  Madam Speaker, Billy Gibson was a true American hero, a man of faith, 
and a member of America's Greatest Generation. His life embodied 
selfless service, and he served as an example to all.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest condolences to the Gibson 
family. I have requested the United States flag be flown over our 
Nation's Capitol to honor the life and service of Billy Gibson.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our 
country during these difficult times, for our veterans, for our 
military servicemen and -women, and for our first responders who keep 
us safe at home.


      Recognizing Signalman Kenneth Gene Hamilton's 94th Birthday

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the life of 
Navy Signalman Kenneth Gene Hamilton of Lamesa, Texas, who turned 94 on 
5 November 2020.
  Kenneth was born in 1926 in Lamesa, Texas, to Marvin and Lona 
Hamilton. He has served a life of dedicated service, including his 
enlistment in the United States Navy on his 17th birthday. Since he was 
not yet 18, Kenneth

[[Page H5986]]

was required to provide written parental permission in order to enlist. 
This selfless act was indicative of his passion and unwavering desire 
to serve his country.
  Shortly after enlisting, a troop train carried Kenneth to basic naval 
training at Camp Wallace in Galveston County, Texas. After boot camp, 
Kenneth was transferred to a base near the Chesapeake Bay to complete 
advanced individual training as a signalman. Upon completion of this 
training, he received his ship assignment and traveled to San Francisco 
to join the rest of his crew.
  Kenneth was assigned to a Merchant Marine ship that had a contingent 
of naval personnel known as the ``armed guard'' on board. This group 
included weapons personnel and signal personnel. This ship provided 
logistic support to other vessels in the Pacific theater and assisted 
in carrying ammunition.
  In 1946, Kenneth completed his enlistment and, along with millions of 
other World War II veterans, he returned home to raise a family.
  Today, on behalf of a grateful Nation, we celebrate the life and 
accomplishments of Signalman Kenneth Gene Hamilton in honor of his 
recent 94th birthday.
  Madam Speaker, Kenneth Hamilton has lived a long life filled with 
love, joy, and a passion for selfless service. I am proud to recognize 
him on this joyous occasion, and I know that his family and friends 
love him and are very proud of him.
  My wife, Gina, and I wish Kenneth many more years of health and 
happiness and a happy birthday. We have requested the United States 
flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Signalman 
Hamilton's 94th birthday.
  As I close, I ask all Americans to continue praying for our country, 
for our military men and women, and for our first responders who keep 
us safe at home.
  Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. 
Palazzo).


                        Honoring Mrs. Ruby Green

  Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend and colleague, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Flores), for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the outstanding life of 
service to the community of Mrs. Ruby Thompson Green.
  Mrs. Green, for the better half of her 103 years on this Earth, 
exhibited true altruism and love for the city of Biloxi.
  She was born June 5, 1916, in Ahoskie, North Carolina. She earned her 
bachelor of science from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. Mrs. 
Green also spent some time studying at Atlanta University in Atlanta, 
Georgia, before attending the University of Southern Mississippi.

  Mrs. Green married Mr. P. Irving Green on July 26, 1941, and they 
moved to Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1947.
  Mrs. Green founded and operated Green's Kindergarten for 17 years, 
and she was the first African-American teacher at Biloxi High School. 
Mrs. Green also worked in the Star Program and worked as the assistant 
education director of the Head Start Program.
  Mrs. Green joined the New Bethel Baptist Church under the pastorship 
of Reverend E.H. Potter, and she served as a teacher of the 
intermediate class, superintendent of the Sunday school, director of 
the vacation Bible school, member of the senior mission, member of the 
kitchen committee, and member of the bus committee. She also served as 
assistant secretary of the Shiloh District of the Congress of Christian 
Workers.
  After retiring from her many years of dedication to her students at 
Biloxi High School, she volunteered at the Veterans Hospital in 
Gulfport, Mississippi. Along with her volunteer work, she was a member 
of the Cheerios Homemakers Club and the Senior Citizen Group.
  Mrs. Green spent a great many years contributing to her community, 
and for many of her students and brothers and sisters in Christ, she 
was a strong pillar in the community.
  Of the 103 years, 11 months, and 23 days that she spent with us, most 
of her time was spent bettering the lives of those around her.
  Mrs. Ruby Thompson Green was an outstanding citizen of the kingdom of 
God, the United States of America, Mississippi, and Biloxi, and her 
contributions stand as a reminder to all of us that it is better to 
serve than to be served.
  It is my honor and privilege to recognize the wonderful life of Mrs. 
Ruby Thompson Green.
  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________