[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 150 (Monday, September 19, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H7942-H7944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COLONEL CHARLES AND JOANNE POWELL DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CLINIC
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (S. 2771) to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of
the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Angelo, Texas, as the
``Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell Department of Veterans Affairs
Clinic''.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
S. 2771
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Colonel Charles Powell and his wife, Mrs. JoAnne
Powell, served the community of San Angelo, Texas, with
character and dignity.
(2) Colonel Powell served as the base commander of
Goodfellow Air Force Base from 1980 to 1984.
(3) When the Powells moved to San Angelo, Charles was
ordered to help Goodfellow avoid closure and the displacement
of many members of the Armed Forces from the community they
had grown to love.
(4) The impact of Charles' career can still be felt today
at Goodfellow Air Force Base, as it serves as a training
school for thousands of members from every Armed Force to
train in cryptology, intelligence, and firefighting.
(5) JoAnne assisted thousands of constituents in the
district offices of Representatives Tom Loeffler, Lamar
Smith, K. Michael Conaway, and August Pfluger.
(6) One of the several duties JoAnne spearheaded was the
annual process of nominations to the military service
academies, which was always a year-round process for her.
(7) With JoAnne's assistance, many of the young men and
women of the 11th congressional district of Texas went on to
serve the United States and attend one of the military
service academies.
(8) In addition, JoAnne was a fierce advocate of veterans
and helped thousands of individuals gain access to the
veterans benefits they rightfully earned.
(9) JoAnne's compassion and dedication helped make the
Concho Valley a better place.
SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF COMMUNITY-BASED OUTPATIENT CLINIC OF
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS IN SAN ANGELO,
TEXAS.
(a) Designation.--The community-based outpatient clinic of
the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Angelo, Texas,
shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known
and designated as the ``Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell
Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic'' or the ``Colonel
Charles and JoAnne Powell VA Clinic''.
(b) Reference.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map,
document, paper, or other record of the United States to the
community-based outpatient clinic referred to in subsection
(a) shall be considered to be a reference to the Colonel
Charles and JoAnne Powell Department of Veterans Affairs
Clinic.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Takano) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks
and insert extraneous material on S. 2771.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the lives of Colonel Charles and
JoAnne Powell, both of whom served the community of San Angelo, Texas,
and advocated for veterans for many years.
[[Page H7943]]
I thank Senator John Cornyn and the gentleman from Texas (Mr.
Pfluger) for putting forward this legislation, which will rename the
San Antonio VA clinic in Colonel and Mrs. Powell's honor.
Colonel Powell served as base commander of Goodfellow Air Force Base
in San Angelo from 1980 to 1984. He was instrumental in helping to
avoid closure of the base, which today serves as a school for thousands
of servicemembers training to be cryptologists, intelligence officers,
and military firefighters.
Mrs. Powell also lived a life devoted to public service as district
manager to four separate Members of Congress. In this role, Mrs. Powell
encouraged many young men and women in the 11th Congressional District
of Texas to serve in the United States military and helped numerous
veterans access the VA benefits they rightfully earned.
S. 2771 and its companion bill, H.R. 4328, are cosponsored by nearly
40 Members of Congress, Democrat and Republican, and the legislation
has the support of The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and
Disabled American Veterans.
Madam Speaker, I include letters of support from these Members and
organizations for the Record.
Congress of the United States,
Washington, DC, February 10, 2022.
Chairman Jon Tester,
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Chairman Mark Takano,
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Jerry Moran,
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Mike Bost,
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Tester, Chairman Takano, Ranking Member
Moran, and Ranking Member Bost: We are writing to express our
support to name the Veterans Affairs community-based
outpatient clinic in San Angelo, Texas, the ``Colonel Charles
and JoAnne Powell VA Clinic''.
Colonel Charles Powell served 30 years in the U.S. Air
Force and was Commander of the 17th Training Wing at
Goodfellow Air Force Base from 1980 until retiring in 1984.
Only six months after his graduation from the U.S. Naval
Academy, he married JoAnne, who soon became a force of her
own in the military and veterans' communities. Together, they
settled in San Angelo for Charles's final assignment at
Goodfellow AFB. The two saved Goodfellow from closure and
helped the base become a technical training center.
During her husband's two deployments in Vietnam and during
his time at Goodfellow, JoAnne revived the Officer Wives Club
and started a Christmas Bazaar program that is ongoing today.
Additionally, she was an active volunteer for a program that
supported MIA and POW families, the Red Cross, and various
other charitable causes.
Beyond these acts of service, JoAnne spent 37 years as a
district staffer for four Members of Congress in the San
Angelo district. She is believed to have provided casework
assistance to thousands of service members and veterans and
helped hundreds of district students navigate service academy
selections and receive appointments. Although Charles passed
away on July 2, 2020, JoAnne upheld Charles' legacy by
staying active in the community, eventually being honored as
a Lifetime Hero in the community for her contributions to the
military community.
On March 24, 2021, JoAnne Powell passed away. Throughout
Charles' and JoAnne's life together, they embodied the true
meaning of selflessness, patience, and perseverance. The
countless hours the Powells dedicated to changing the lives
of their neighbors and being a light in their community have
left a lasting impact on West Texas. We would be grateful for
your support of this effort and hope that the Senate and the
House Committees on Veterans' Affairs will give it its prompt
consideration.
Sincerely,
John Cornyn, United States Senator; Ted Cruz, United States
Senator, August Pfluger, Member of Congress; Louie Gohmert,
Member of Congress; Dan Crenshaw, Member of Congress; Van
Taylor, Member of Congress; Pat Fallon, Member of Congress;
Lance Gooden, Member of Congress; Jake Ellzey, Member of
Congress; Lizzie Fletcher, Member of Congress.
Kevin Brady, Member of Congress; Al Green, Member of
Congress; Michael T. McCaul, Member of Congress; Kay Granger,
Member of Congress; Ronny L. Jackson, Member of Congress;
Randy K. Weber, Sr., Member of Congress; Vicente Gonzalez,
Member of Congress; Veronica Escobar, Member of Congress;
Pete Sessions, Member of Congress; Sheila Jackson Lee, Member
of Congress.
Jodey C. Arrington, Member of Congress; Joaqin Castro,
Member of Congress; Chip Roy, Member of Congress; Troy E.
Nehls, Member of Congress; Tony Gonzales, Member of Congress;
Beth Van Duyne, Member of Congress; Roger Williams, Member of
Congress; Michael C. Burgess, M.D., Member of Congress;
Michael Cloud, Member of Congress; Henry Cuellar, Member of
Congress.
Sylvia R. Garcia, Member of Congress; Eddie Bernice
Johnson, Member of Congress; John R. Carter, Member of
Congress; Colin Z. Allred, Member of Congress; Marc A.
Veasey, Member of Congress; Filemon Vela, Member of Congress;
Lloyd Doggett, Member of Congress; Brian Babin, D.D.S.,
Member of Congress.
____
The American Legion,
Department of Texas,
Austin, TX, September 23, 2021.
Re Endorsement of re-naming the name of the San Angelo VA
Clinic
Rep. August Pfluger,
Attn: Meredith Moore,
Washington, DC.
Dear Rep. Pfluger: As the State Commander of The American
Legion, Department of Texas, I write to you in support of re-
naming the San Angelo VA Clinic to the Colonel Charles and
JoAnne Powell VA Clinic.
The American Legion, the Nation's largest Veterans
organization, believes in memorializing and honoring our
Veterans, and we can see no better way to honor Colonel
Charles and JoAnne Powell for their dedicated service to the
Community, State, and Nation.
For God and Country,
James ``Bret'' Watson,
State Commander.
____
Veterans of Foreign Wars,
July 13, 2021.
Hon. Mark Takano,
Chairman, House Committee on Veterans Affairs, Washington,
DC.
Hon. Mike Bost,
Ranking Member, House Committee on Veterans Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Chairman Takano and Ranking Member Bost: On behalf of the
Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars, I am honored to extend my
support to U.S. Representative August Pfluger's H.R. 4328, to
rename the Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic in San
Angelo, Texas, to the ``Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell VA
Clinic''.
The Powells were beloved figures in their adopted hometown
of San Angelo who devoted a lifetime serving their country
and community with honor and dedication. Our hope is
memorializing their names on a facility that continues to the
veterans they cared so much for, will inspire future
generations.
Sincerely,
Norman Macey,
State Commander.
Attest:
Dan West,
State Adjutant/Quartermaster.
____
DAV,
Department of Texas,
Lufkin, TX, June 29, 2021.
Chairman Mark Takano,
House Committee on Veterans Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Ranking Member Mike Bost,
House Committee on Veterans Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Chairman Mark Takano and Ranking Member Mike Bost: On the
behalf of Disabled American Veterans, Department of Texas, I
am honored to extend my support to the efforts of Congressman
August Pfluger and the members of Congress from Texas to
rename The Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic
in San Angelo, Texas, to the Colonel Charles and JoAnne
Powell VA Clinic''.
Colonel Powell was a graduate of the United States Naval
Academy and served a distinguished 30 year career in the Air
Force, including Commander of Goodfellow Air Base in San
Angelo, Texas.
Mrs. Colonel Powell was in the Air Force and was a
dedicated Military wife and force in her own right, active in
the Officers Wives Club for 30 years. She was a voice for
Veterans and served 37 years as District Manager to four
members of Congress.
The bill, Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell VA Clinic,
would rename the VA Clinic in San Angelo, Texas, to Honor the
lives of these two individuals. The Powells were beloved
figures in their adopted hometown who spent their lifetime
serving their country and community with honor and
dedication.
Sincerely,
Teresa Johniken,
Adjutant/Treasurer,
DAV Department of Texas.
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I support naming VA's community-based
outpatient clinic in San Angelo, Texas, in Colonel Charles and Mrs.
JoAnne Powell's honor, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2771. This bill names the VA
community-based outpatient clinic, or CBOC, in San Angelo, Texas, after
Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell.
Charles Powell graduated from the Naval Academy and went on to spend
[[Page H7944]]
three decades in the Air Force. In that time, he deployed twice to
Vietnam, served as commander of Goodfellow Air Force Base in San
Angelo, and eventually attained the rank of colonel.
While not a veteran herself, his wife, JoAnne Powell, was, as the
Disabled American Veterans, Department of Texas, put it, a force all
her own. During her husband's time as commanding officer of Goodfellow,
she revived the Officers Wives Club, started a Christmas bazaar program
that continues to this day, supported efforts to prevent the base from
closing, and actively volunteered for the local charities and helped
families of servicemembers who were prisoners of war or missing in
action.
For her efforts, she was honored at the Goodfellow Air Force Base
with a lifetime achievement award. JoAnne also spent almost 40 years
working for her local Congressmen, helping thousands of servicemembers,
veterans, and military families.
This bill fulfills the committee's naming criteria. It has the full
support of the Texas congressional delegation, local VSOs, and the
veteran community in and around San Angelo.
I particularly recognize the hard work and leadership of the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Pfluger), my friend, and the Senate sponsor
of this bill, Senator Cornyn. They have been relentless in their
advocacy for the bill so that Charles and JoAnne's incredible legacy
will finally receive the recognition it deserves. I thank them both.
Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting
this bill today.
Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr.
Pfluger).
Mr. PFLUGER. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues, the ranking member
and the chairman, for bringing this bill to the floor.
I rise today in support of my bill to rename the veterans community-
based outpatient clinic in San Angelo, Texas, the Colonel Charles and
JoAnne Powell VA Clinic.
I cannot think of two people more deserving of this honor than
Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell. They are both true American heroes
who, for their entire lives, dedicated their service to this country
through a distinguished career not only in the U.S. Air Force but later
in civilian life when they became two of the most ardent and fervent
leaders for military and veterans issues.
They shared a love story not only between themselves but also for
this country. Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell met in preschool in
Nashville, Arkansas. They graduated high school together, and they were
married in 1954 after Charles graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and
then joined the Air Force. No matter where Charles' missions took them
around the world to different locations, JoAnne was right there,
serving alongside him.
Colonel Powell and JoAnne first flew into San Angelo in 1980, and he
became the base commander of Goodfellow and JoAnne the honorary first
lady. Their mission was daunting, as they were tasked with saving
Goodfellow, which was slated for closure. Not only did they immediately
spring into action to save the base, but they built a lasting
partnership that lasts today between the community and the base,
completely converting the base mission into one of a premier
intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and fire training
installation for every branch of the U.S. military.
After Charles retired, they settled in San Angelo, and their legacy
has left over 360,000 graduates from Goodfellow Air Force Base that
have joined all branches and all intelligence agencies, including not
just the military but the CIA, DIA, FBI, NSA, and more.
Thankfully, their professional service has made this country better,
but it is there where they decided to plant their roots and set to work
in their community, making it a better place.
In addition to her service as a military spouse, JoAnne Powell gave
of herself through immeasurable community involvement on countless
boards and civic organizations. Through her 35-year career as a
congressional liaison for the 11th District, she worked for
Representatives Tom Loeffler, Lamar Smith, Mike Conaway, and, lastly,
myself.
She served thousands of veterans in this position. She helped in any
way she possibly could. Not only did she spearhead the annual process
of nominating young men and women to the service academies, which was a
year-round position for both her and Charles Powell, but she also
achieved what I think is probably more lasting in helping those cadets
and those midshipmen go through the academies, including myself, which
was probably her most generous contribution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Schrier). The time of the gentleman has
expired.
Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the
gentleman.
Mr. PFLUGER. Madam Speaker, Charles and JoAnne Powell were a perfect
team, and they supported one another as they completed their missions
of life with flying colors. Together, they raised an exceptional
daughter, Terri, and adored their two wonderful grandchildren.
I am thrilled today to be able to honor them, to honor their service,
the impact that they had in the Concho Valley, the impact that they had
on so many veterans, and the impact that they had on our military with
the naming of the Charles and JoAnne Powell VA Clinic.
I thank the chairman and ranking member and the entire Texas
delegation and your staffs for helping make this a reality. Obviously,
I thank Charles and JoAnne Powell for their love of this country, which
is a legacy that I think all of us could stand to learn from.
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am
prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, in closing, I encourage all of my colleagues
to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in
passing S. 2771, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, S. 2771.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________