[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 13, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING PAUL TAFALLA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. COLIN Z. ALLRED

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2022

  Mr. ALLRED. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the 
life of Paul Tafalla, a brave and courageous North Texas veteran who 
passed away on July 2.
  Paul Tafalla was a son of Dallas. As one of six siblings, he was 
raised in the historical ``El Pozo'' neighborhood in South Dallas. 
After moving with his family to East Dallas, Paul attended and 
graduated from Crozier Tech High School.
  After graduation, Paul enlisted in the United States Army, where he 
would serve a 4-year enlistment with two tours to Vietnam. He bravely 
served in the 1st Cavalry Infantry division aboard the Huey and Chinook 
gunships, one of the first helicopter divisions to experience combat in 
Vietnam.
  When he returned home to the United States, he married the love of 
his life, Sarah Lucille, in 1973 and had three beautiful children. Paul 
later worked as a precision optician on defense contracts at Texas 
Instruments for more than 20 years.
  Paul was a member of the Freemasons and the Shriners Society, as well 
as belonging to other organizations such as the American Legion, 
Disabled Veterans, and VFW. He received several awards for his heroic 
bravery over his life. He was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Heroism and 
was honored by numerous city and state organizations, including the 
State Legislature of Texas, for saving four lives in a head-on car 
collision.
  He also served his community by mentoring youth through sports. Paul 
received two Coach of the Year awards and led teams to multiple 
division titles and championships.
  Paul lived a very selfless life and was known to always put others 
before himself. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. 
Paul's courage and kindness will leave a lasting impact on so many in 
Dallas.
  I was lucky to know Paul, and I am proud to honor the life and legacy 
of Paul Tafalla today. His memory lives with his wife, children, and 
grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the 
Dallas community today.

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