[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 188 (Tuesday, October 26, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H5877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF LUKE SIEGEL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Arrington) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of a 
remarkable young man named Luke Siegel, who inspired so many with his 
strength of spirit and will to live in the face of tremendous 
adversity.
  On July 28 of 2015, Luke suffered severe brain damage as a result of 
a tragic golf cart accident that changed his life forever and left him 
immobile, lifeless, and even without the ability to speak. Doctors 
said, Madam Speaker, that he would stay in that condition as long as he 
lived.
  But, through the love and support of his family, the prayers of our 
wonderful community, and the relentless and tenacious fight that Luke 
brought every day, he defied all odds and the diagnoses of numerous 
doctors, recovering to a life no one believed was possible.
  Sadly, on August 19, our hero and west Texas warrior, Luke Siegel, 
went home to be with his Heavenly Father. Luke is survived by one 
amazing family: father, Tim; mother, Jenny; and sisters Alex, Kate, and 
Ellie.
  Madam Speaker, Luke never gave up. He was a symbol of hope for people 
throughout the country whose families have struggled with the 
challenges of traumatic brain injury. Luke is an inspiration to us all 
to live every day to the fullest and never give up no matter what the 
circumstances.
  I am confident that Luke Siegel heard those beautiful and sweet words 
of our creator and Lord of heaven and Earth.
  Madam Speaker, Luke fought the good fight, he finished the race, and 
he kept the faith. May Luke enter into his eternal rest. God bless Luke 
Siegel, coach, your family, and God bless west Texas.


                        Recognizing Nancy Liles

  Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of an outstanding lady, Nancy Liles, who recently 
retired after an illustrious 36-year career as executive director of 
the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau.
  Ms. Liles' passion for hospitality embodies the spirit of west Texas 
and has made Abilene a thriving tourist destination where visitors feel 
right at home.
  West Texas is known for its friendliness and hospitality, and Ms. 
Liles has exemplified these attributes in her service to our community 
and the Key City.
  Abilene, Texas, is a warmer and more welcoming place because of the 
leadership and service of Nancy Liles. We wish Nancy well as she spends 
more time with her family and continues to be a champion for the Big 
Country in Abilene, America. God bless, and go west Texas.


                      Recognizing Mindy Patterson

  Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding west 
Texan, Ms. Mindy Patterson.
  Mindy has served the city of Abilene for three decades, from her 
start as an entry-level accountant to her current position of deputy 
city manager.
  This year marks her 30th year of service for the city of Abilene, and 
her colleagues know her as a servant leader and a tireless worker who 
will do anything for her beloved community.
  The city manager, Robert Hanna, describes Ms. Patterson as somebody 
who is, ``simply indispensable to my leadership team.''
  I am grateful to Ms. Patterson for her service to Abilene and look 
forward to even more successes from her in the future and for our great 
city and community.
  God bless Ms. Patterson, who is keeping the wheels turning out in 
west Texas. And go west Texas.

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