[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 127 (Friday, July 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MAJOR EARL ``RUSTY'' LESLIE RUSSELL, 
                               USA (RET.)

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RONNY JACKSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2022

  Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Major Earl ``Rusty'' Leslie Russell, USA, Ret. Rusty exemplified the 
American fighting spirit. He lived his life honorably through serving 
his country, loving his family and friends, and devoting himself to his 
faith. Rusty embodied the bravery, honor, and patriotism of what it 
means to be an American.
  Born January 25, 1944, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Rusty was n man of 
many talents, interests, and pursuits. Most importantly, he was a 
loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and a man of God.
  At his core, Rusty was a deeply patriotic person. He began his 
military career in middle school in the Junior Reserve Officer Training 
Corps (JROTC) and continued to serve in the ROTC throughout his high 
school and college years. In September 1966, upon graduation from Fort 
Hays State University, Rusty received his commission as a Second 
Lieutenant in the United States Army. Soon afterwards, Rusty attended 
the Army Aviation Center and School at Foti Rucker, Alabama, where he 
earned his pilot wings. He served two tours in Vietnam (1967-68 and 
1971-72) where he flew reconnaissance missions and aligned artillery.
  During these intense combat tours, Rusty earned the following 
military honors: Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, 
Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army 
Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam 
Service Medal with 7 Bronze Service Stars, Cross of Gallantry with 
Silver Star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Palm. In 1975, having 
attained the rank of Major, Rusty was honorably discharged from the 
United States Army.
  Following his military career, Rusty and his wife, Jan, opened a real 
estate firm, Hallmark Homes, in Manhattan, Kansas. In 1982, the 
opportunity arose to join Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor. Without 
a backup plan, Rusty and Jan decided to move their family to 
Gainesville, Texas, to start their new adventure. Throughout his 
quarter-century career with Edward Jones, Rusty was valued as a trusted 
advisor, educator, confidante, and mentor.
  Rusty was civic minded and generous with both his time and financial 
blessings. He served his community by participating on several boards 
including the Gainesville Municipal Airport Board, the North Texas 
Medical Center Board, the First United Methodist Church Board, the 
State Bar of Texas Ethics Committee Board, and the Longhorn Council. 
Rusty was also an active member of the Gainesville Masonic Lodge No. 
210 where he served as Past Master.
  A lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, Rusty earned the 
rank of Eagle Scout and later in life, the Order of the Arrow's Vigil 
Honor. He served as leader of Gainesville's Troop 668 for many years, 
mentoring new generations of Scouts. He lived his life according to 
Scout Law, to be: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, 
Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
  Rusty will be truly missed by everyone he met and by the community he 
so deeply affected. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jan, and 
their son, Lee. Rusty was a friend to all, and I join his family, 
friends, and the people of Gainesville, Texas in celebrating Major 
Russell's life and legacy.

                          ____________________