[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 190 (Thursday, October 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





RECOGNIZING SERGEANT DON FINK, RECIPIENT OF TEXAS' THIRD CONGRESSIONAL 
            DISTRICT 2021 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

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                            HON. VAN TAYLOR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 28, 2021

  Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, it is my privilege to honor fifteen 
distinguished military veterans from Texas' Third Congressional 
District who answered the call to serve their Nation honorably, both in 
uniform and following their return to civilian life. The recipients of 
the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation exemplify the timehonored 
qualities of patriotism, service before self, and bold leadership. 
Following their time in service, their efforts in our community have 
earned these fine individuals recognition as the recipients of this 
prestigious commendation. Their stories of sacrifice will encourage 
future generations to pursue a life dedicated to the very values we 
cherish as Americans: faith, freedom, and democracy. One such hero is 
Sergeant Don Fink of Frisco, Texas.
  Born in Chicago, Illinois, Don Fink moved to Texas early in life 
where he graduated from Richardson High School. From a young age, Don's 
father, a World War II veteran, instilled in him a keen awareness that 
our country's freedoms were at risk. In 1968, a 20-year-old Fink would 
enlist as an Infantryman in the U.S. Army. He was assigned to Chu Lai, 
Vietnam where his contributions in building the strategically important 
LZ Maryanne would ultimately keep the enemy from advancing on American 
troops and in due course save thousands of soldiers' lives.
  Sergeant Fink's awards include a Bronze Star, Army Commendation 
Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Overseas 
Service Bar, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Sharpshooter Marksmanship 
Badge, Expert Marksmanship Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge.
  Upon his return to civilian life, Don would begin employment with 
United Parcel Service (UPS) where he would eventually manage several 
statewide regional centers. After graduating from the University of 
Texas at Arlington, Don would establish his own successful staffing and 
recruiting business.
  Today, Don has become known as a widely respected and beloved 
advocate on behalf of our veterans. As an active member of the Frisco 
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8273 he is deeply admired as the 
current Chaplain. In addition to attending funerals, tending to the 
sick and needy, as well as those in crisis, Don has been known to 
personally drive veterans to service officer appointments for benefits 
counseling. As the proud father of two children and two grandchildren, 
Don currently resides in Frisco with his beloved dog, Bella. Sergeant 
Don Fink is a stranger to none and continues to exemplify the spirit of 
this award through his willingness to help those in need.
  Today a grateful Nation thanks Sergeant Fink for his exceptional 
service and congratulates him on this recognition. May his steadfast 
example of leadership inspire others to live a life of service to a 
cause greater than themselves. It is my extreme honor to award him the 
2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of 
Texas.

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