[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 192 (Tuesday, November 2, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





RECOGNITION OF THE 26TH DISTRICT OF TEXAS' 2020 CONGRESSIONAL VETERANS 
                        COMMENDATION RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 2, 2021

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the five recipients 
of the 26th District of Texas' 2020 Congressional Veterans 
Commendation. These men have faithfully served this Nation in both 
their military and civilian lives, and it is my great privilege to 
publicly recognize their significant contributions.
  Mr. Paul Bastiach of Oak Point served in the U.S. Air Force for 
twenty-five years, fast as a Precision Measurement Equipment Specialist 
and later as the Commandant of the Airman Leadership School. Mr. 
Bastiach was recognized as the School's Flight Chief of the Year in 
2000, and was awarded four Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Force 
Commendation Medals, and the Air Force Achievement Medal over the 
course of his tenure in the armed forces. In 2004, the Air Force 
further honored Mr. Bastiach with the Air Force Productivity Award, 
denoting an individual who has made such substantial improvements in 
productivity that the Air Force saved over $1 million. Following his 
military career, Mr. Bastiach professionally served his fellow veterans 
as the Denton County Veteran Service Officer, as President of the 
Veterans County Service Officer Association of Texas (VCSOAT), and as 
the North Texas Region Director of VSOAT. His work has led to 
significant improvements to the Denton County VA's facilities, an 
increase of over $200 million in gross benefits to Denton County 
Veterans, and the foundation of both the Veterans Community Navigator 
Program and the Denton County Veterans Coalition (DCVC). He currently 
serves as DCVC's Vice President and as the co-planner for the County's 
annual Veteran's Day Event.
  Mr. Richard Cook of Double Oak served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 
1971, in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During the Korean War, Mr. 
Cook was assigned to the USS Missouri, the flagship of the Seventh 
Fleet, which played a pivotal role in multiple offensive maneuvers as 
part of the famed Task Force 77. Mr. Cook was promoted to the highest 
enlisted rank of Master Chief and was later commissioned as a 
Lieutenant. After 21 years on active duty, he transferred into the 
Naval Reserves, serving an additional ten years. Mr. Cook's service was 
recognized with the UN Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit 
Citation, National Defense Service Medal, and the Meritorious Unit 
Commendation. After leaving his military career, Mr. Cook devoted his 
time and attention to serving his local community of Double Oak. He was 
first elected to the Town Council in 1994 and was then appointed Mayor 
in 1995. The citizens of Double Oak re-elected Mr. Cook as Mayor twice. 
In 2010, he was appointed as Mayor Emeritus. Sadly, Mr. Cook passed 
away on October 2, 2021. My condolences to his family and the community 
of Double Oak as we reflect upon his military service and recognize his 
civic accomplishments.
  Mr. Jacob Schick of Frisco enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps one 
month after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and fought as a member of the 
1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Corps Regiment, Bravo Company during 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2004, Mr. Schick's Humvee struck an 
improvised explosive device, resulting in the loss of his left leg and 
severe damage to his left arm. The U.S. Marine Corps recognized his 
sacrifice with the awarding of the Purple Heart, the Combat Action 
Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Selected Marine 
Corps Reserve Medal. Mr. Schick continued to serve as an active duty 
servicemember until he was medically discharged in 2011, having 
attained the rank of Corporal. Mr. Schick continued to serve his former 
comrades in arms at the Center for Brain Health and the Brain 
Performance Institute, where he conducted research into alleviating 
Traumatic Brain Injuries and Post Traumatic Stress. In addition, he was 
instrumental in founding the non-profit ``22 Kill'' to bring public 
awareness to the alarming rate of veteran suicides and he currently 
serves as CEO of the ``One Tribe Foundation,'' which raises funds and 
provides support programs to assist veterans and first responders and 
their families.
  Mr. Dennis Sheridan of Trophy Club was commissioned as a 2nd 
Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1969. During the Vietnam War, Mr. 
Sheridan was first assigned to Bravo Company and then to 2nd Platoon, 
Alpha Company as platoon leader. His outstanding command of 2nd Platoon 
was noted and he was designated as the Executive Officer and later 
Commanding Officer of Alpha Company. The U.S. Army recognized his 
service with the Combat Infantry Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, 
the Bronze Star with V Device, and the Bronze Star with One Oak Leaf. 
Mr. Sheridan rose to the rank of captain by the end of his active duty 
in 1972. Subsequent to his military career, Mr. Sheridan served as a 
Commissioner and Chair of the Trophy Club Planning and Zoning 
Commission, and he currently serves as a Town Councilman, and actively 
volunteers for numerous veterans' organizations in the DFW metroplex.
  Finally, Mr. Danny Weakley of Little Elm served in the armed forces 
for over two decades as a member of the U.S. Army's 89th Military 
Police Brigade. Mr. Weakley's service included tours in Somalia, Qatar, 
and Iraq, and merited him two Bronze Star Medals, three counts of the 
Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, two Army 
Achievement Medals, a GWOT Service Medal, a GWOT Expeditionary Medal, 
three Iraq Campaign Medals, and the Combat Action Badge. Mr. Weakley 
retired in 2008, having attained the rank of Master Sergeant. A 
graduate of Little Elm's Fire, Police and Government Academy, he 
volunteers with multiple Little Elm events and he spearheaded new civic 
programs including Little Elm's Veteran's Ruck March and the Honor Park 
Cleanup.
  I am truly privileged to thank all five of our recipients for their 
honorable service in the Armed Forces and their whole-hearted 
dedication to their communities following their military careers. Their 
leadership, devotion, and sacrifice truly exemplify the finest 
traditions of the United States Military. I join the friends, families, 
and communities of these recipients in expressing sincere appreciation 
and congratulating them on their commendation.

                          ____________________