[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 82 (Tuesday, May 16, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WARRIOR'S WEEKEND FIELD 
                                OF HONOR

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Cloud) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 15th 
anniversary of the Warrior's Weekend Field of Honor.
  The mission of the Field of Honor has always been to honor our 
Nation's veterans and encourage our wounded warriors. This all began in 
May 2009 when Warrior's Weekend president, Ron Kocian, a Texas Army 
National Guard veteran, gave retired Colonel Mike Petrash of the U.S. 
Army the approval to conduct the first Field of Honor in Victoria, 
Texas, in support of Warrior's Weekend. It became an instant success 
during which 550 sponsored flags were posted by local area sponsors, 
patriots, and families, touching the hearts of over 300 visiting 
warriors from all over the United States.
  In 2011, the Field of Honor expanded its army of volunteers, so to 
speak, and encouraged faith-, civic-, veteran-, and youth-based 
organizations to partner with them as a way of raising funds for their 
own community programs in a way that is honorable and noteworthy.
  As the Field of Honor matured and the mission of honoring veterans 
for their service continued to thrive, it eventually led to the 
inclusion of the third pillar of the Warrior's Weekend mission: to 
build a community of honor and excellence.
  Throughout the lifetime of the Field of Honor, over 30,000 flags have 
been sponsored, prepared, and posted in honor of our veterans, wounded 
soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen who come to Victoria from all 50 
States and Puerto Rico to enjoy a weekend of respite from their wound 
care.
  Warrior's Weekend and the Field of Honor are truly a nationwide 
ministry that has a positive impact on the thousands of cities and 
towns across America. The warriors go back and live more complete, 
productive lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.
  On this day, we recognize the service and sacrifice of all those 
thousands of patriotic servant leaders who have strived for 15 years to 
honor veterans, encourage warriors, and build a community of honor and 
excellence.
  Warrior's Weekend Field of Honor has shown this Nation what ``right'' 
looks like, and it is through the great work and leadership of 
volunteers demonstrating a true commitment to honoring the United 
States of America as one Nation under God.

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