[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 190 (Thursday, October 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1165-E1166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING CAPTAIN JERAN AKERS, RECIPIENT OF TEXAS' THIRD 
     CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2021 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            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 time-honored 
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 
Captain Jeran Akers of Plano, Texas.
  During his time as a student at the University of Alabama, Jeran 
Akers, would begin his path to defending our nation by serving as a 
member of the Air Force ROTC and the Arnold Air Society. Later, while 
on active duty from 1969 to 1973, Captain Akers, would earn a Master of 
Arts in Public Administration. One of his most notable posts was 
overseeing one

[[Page E1166]]

of our nation's largest stockpiles of missiles at Ellsworth Air Force 
Base in South Dakota.
  Captain Akers' military decorations include the National Defense 
Service Medal and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf 
Cluster.
  Following his time in service, Akers relocated to Texas where he 
operated a successful small business. In 1993, he would embark on a new 
mission following his election to the Plano City Council where he 
served as both Deputy Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor. During his time as 
Mayor, he founded the Collin County Mayors' Alliance and was credited 
with bringing the Dr Pepper headquarters to town.
  In 2002, Captain Akers was diagnosed with a lung disease that would 
eventually result in a double lung transplant. His unique experience 
generated a new passion for organ donation advocacy and he remains a 
staunch supporter for the cause. Akers also served in the role of 
President and CEO of the Celina Chamber of Commerce until his recent 
retirement. In his personal life, Jeran is the proud father of three 
children with whom he has instilled a love of country. His eldest son 
Tyler followed in his father's footsteps by joining the Air Force, and 
his younger son, Josh, is a fallen Marine. Today, Jeran, and his wife, 
Victoria, continue spending time in the community and enjoying their 
five grandchildren. Captain Akers has been a steadfast example of 
service before self both to his nation and through his dedication to 
involvement within our local community.
  Today a grateful Nation thanks Captain Akers 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.

                          ____________________