[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 190 (Thursday, October 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





     RECOGNIZING SPECIALIST MATT FOSTER, 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 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 
Specialist Matt Foster of Allen, Texas.
  Born into a military family, Matt Foster, moved around his first five 
years of life prior to settling down in New Braunfels, Texas. Like many 
Americans, Matt answered the call to serve our nation following the 
horrific attacks of 9/11. Upon graduation from high school, Matt 
enlisted in the United States Army leading to his deployment to Iraq in 
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Foster served as a squad leader in 
the 101st Airborne Division, leading team members in over 180 missions 
and combat patrols.
  Among Specialist Foster's awards are the Army Commendation Medal, 
Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on 
Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and 
Overseas Service Ribbon.
  Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Specialist Foster 
earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Public Administration from 
the University of Texas at Arlington, where he was later recognized as 
a Distinguished Alumni of the Year. Public policy and government are 
passion points for Foster, and he uses his experiences to serve in the 
role of Regional Director of Legislative and External Affairs for A&T.
  Matt has chosen to give back to his community in a multitude of ways 
including through his work as the Past Chairman of the DFW USO Advisory 
Board, as Vice Chairman of the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for 
Veteran Assistance Advisory Board, Past Public Information Officer of 
Team Rubicon-DFW, Co-Chairman of the North Texas Crime Commission 
Legislative Committee, Director of the Collin College Foundation, the 
YMCA Board of Directors in Plano, and as Past Chairman of the Plano 
Young Professionals. In addition to his many civic activities, Matt 
serves as the Director of Communications for the Warrior's Keep, a non-
profit organization geared towards enhancing the quality of life for 
veterans through the use of outdoor therapy as they reintegrate back to 
civilian life.
  Matt and his wife, Vanessa, are raising their young son, Jackson, in 
Allen, Texas. For his many efforts to support our defenders of freedom, 
Specialist Foster has earned the respect and admiration of our 
community as he now works to mentor a new generation of military 
leaders.
  Today a grateful Nation thanks Specialist Foster 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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