[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 20, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H3674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND HONORING THE MEMORY OF TONY LEE DILL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Arrington) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and 
honor the memory of Tony Lee Dill, a west Texas farmer, who I had the 
privilege of representing and the great blessing of calling my friend.
  Tony was born on June 3, 1960, to G.W. and Sue Dill in Terry County, 
Texas. Tony had a lifelong passion for the land and a love for people 
that was second to none.
  Tony wasn't just a great farmer, he was a great leader, dedicating 
much of his life to being a voice for agriculture in rural America. He 
was absolutely committed to public service for his community, for his 
industry, and for the country he loved.
  When I first met Tony, he was president of the Western Peanut Growers 
Association.
  Tony was the epitome of a west Texan and a great American farmer. 
Tony was honest, humble, and hardworking. Tony was a gentleman, a man 
of great faith and love for the Lord, and he was happiest when he was 
with his family, his beloved wife, Donna, five children, and eight 
grandchildren.
  I know they miss Tony something fierce, and I do, too, but I am 
confident that Tony is in the presence of the great farmer, the Creator 
of Heaven and Earth, and all that share Tony's faith will be with him 
for all eternity.
  God bless and go west Texas.


                         Honoring Josh Bartlett

  Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, last week west Texas witnessed an 
unspeakable tragedy. One of Lubbock County's true heroes, Sergeant Josh 
Bartlett, lost his life in the line of duty. Our hearts are heavy with 
grief for the Bartlett family, and our prayers are with them along with 
the injured officers and their families, especially including Sergeant 
Shawn Wilson.
  Sergeant Bartlett dedicated his life to the sacred calling of wearing 
the uniform in defense of his country and community, honorably 
protecting and serving his fellow Americans. We are all heartbroken for 
his wife Rebecca and their children, Zachary, Christian, Logan and 
Kasidy. Like so many in law enforcement, Josh watched over our families 
while taking care of his own as a husband and a father.
  We must never forget that the men and women in blue represent the 
very best of our Nation, the bravest and most dedicated among our 
citizens. We all owe them the highest respect and deepest gratitude for 
their willingness to sacrifice their lives to protect ours.

  West Texas, Madam Speaker, is a family, and west Texans 
unapologetically, unreservedly love and respect our brothers and 
sisters in law enforcement. We know they stand between us and the bad 
guys, and we stand with them and their families, especially in these 
times of sorrow and loss.
  May God comfort all the families affected in this tragedy, and may He 
protect and keep those who keep watch over us along the thin blue line.


                   Congratulating the New Deal Lions

  Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the New 
Deal Lions on winning their first 2A baseball State championship.
  The Lions' State championship win comes after a playoff loss in 
regionals and a 2020 season where they canceled six games due to COVID. 
Fueled by those setbacks, the New Deal Lions took head coach Jason 
Ybarra's motto, ``Unfinished Business,'' to heart during the 2021 
season.
  Led by Kyler Reed, Harley Patterson, and Noah Rodriguez as team 
captains, the New Deal Lions season included not only a State 
championship, Madam Speaker, but a 13 and 0 record district play.
  Kyler Reed retained district MVP, Harley Patterson was named 
offensive MVP, Tanner Seeley was awarded defensive MVP, and Noah 
Rodriguez was recognized as the Newcomer of the Year.
  So congratulations to Lion Nation. This team of young men, along with 
their coach, represent the west Texas value of hard work and dedication 
and the west Texas spirit of excellence in all things.
  God bless and go west Texas.

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