[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 190 (Thursday, October 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT PAT NUGENT, 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 
Senior Master Sergeant Patrick Nugent of Allen, Texas.
  Upon joining the U.S. Air Force, Pat Nugent, trained as a parachute 
rigger and was stationed at England Air Force Base prior to being 
transferred to RAF Mildenhall, England where he was assigned to an 
Aerial Port squadron supporting aerial delivery parachute systems 
throughout the European Theater. During this time, Nugent developed a 
lifelong passion for photography and was eventually assigned to cover 
the world-renowned Air Force Thunderbirds. Due to his training as a 
photojournalist at Syracuse University, Pat would have the opportunity 
to cover a variety of historical events including the Rhein-Mein Air 
Base bombing and the return of hostages, Father Martin Jenco and David 
Jacobson, as well as those kidnapped from the Italian cruise ship 
Achille Lauro. Pat also covered Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, 
Provide Hope, and the Panama invasion, and was involved in efforts to 
introduce digital photography to the Department of Defense.
  During his 23 years of military service, Sergeant Nugent earned a 
multitude of awards including the National Defense Service Medal with 1 
device, the Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service 
Ribbon with 4 devices, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 6 devices, Air 
Force Outstanding Unit Award with 3 devices, Air Force Overseas Short 
Tour Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air 
Force Commendation Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal to 
name just a few.
  Following his retirement from the military, Nugent held government 
account management positions with Eastman Kodak and Nikon. As an active 
and lifetime member of Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American 
Veterans, the Seidel Dallas Chapter of the Air Force Association, the 
USAF Combat Camera Association, and the Collin County Veterans 
Coalition, Pat can often be seen behind the lens capturing our veterans 
and military which earned him the Air Force Association's ``Medal of 
Freedom.''
  Mr. Nugent is a tremendous example of using one's gift in service to 
their nation. Pat and his wife, Carol, look forward to celebrating 
fifty years of marriage this year and are the proud parents to two 
adult children, and five grandchildren.
  Today a grateful Nation thanks Senior Master Sergeant Nugent 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.