[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 149 (Thursday, September 14, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H4335-H4339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ISSUES OF THE DAY
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of
January 9, 2023, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ellzey) is recognized
for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.
General Leave
Mr. ELLZEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members have
5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Mr. ELLZEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a fellow fighter
pilot, a pilot who is immediately recognizable to millions worldwide
who have seen the movie ``Top Gun: Maverick.'' I know my good friend is
watching right now. Those fanboys and fangirls know him only from the
credits as the ``pilot in bar'' who thanks his fellow captain for
inadvertently buying a round of drinks.
That fighter pilot is my good friend Brian Ferguson, ``Ferg,'' who is
retiring from the Navy Reserve after 30 years of dedicated service next
Friday.
Ferg's accomplishments in the Navy are too numerous to completely
list here, so I will just provide a few highlights. After graduating
from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1993, he joined the Navy,
went to flight school, and earned his naval aviator Wings of Gold. He
spent the next 10 years flying F-18s from the decks of aircraft
carriers in peace and war, including multiple night strikes into Iraq
during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
After 10 years on Active Duty, he transitioned to the Navy Reserve as
an adversary pilot--being the bad guy--flying F-5s with Fighter
Composite Squadron 13. As I can personally attest, the high point of
any fighter pilot's career is the opportunity to command a squadron.
Ferg took command of VFC-13 in 2012, and with the help of his enlisted
sailors and tactically brilliant junior officer pilots, the squadron
won awards for combat readiness, safety, aircraft maintenance, and
personnel retention.
Following command, Ferg continued to serve in important roles with
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, the Naval Aviation Warfighting
Development Center, Carrier Strike Group Fifteen, the Sixth Fleet Navy
Reserve Headquarters Unit, and then as the deputy commander of the
Naval Air Force Reserve.
In 2018, an irresistible opportunity presented itself when Ferg was
asked to be the Navy's technical adviser and aerial coordinator for the
filming of ``Top Gun: Maverick,'' an opportunity he declined at least
twice because--despite being a TOPGUN graduate himself--of the time it
would require him to be away from his family.
Of course, finally it was his wife, Susan, who is a lot smarter than
Ferg--yes, we wrote that out, Ferg, and we mean it--said: If you don't
help make the flight scenes in the movie look realistic and they don't,
you will spend the rest of your life telling people you could have done
it better--which he would--so just go do it yourself so you can't blame
anybody else if the scenes don't live up to the hype.
So Ferg spent nearly 2 years working as the Navy's point man on the
film. His hand is in every scene with an airplane, and as we all know,
those flying scenes lived up to the hype.
In spite of all that he has accomplished in the air, Ferg will be the
first to tell you that the most important things in his life are on the
ground: his lovely wife, Susan, and their four children. While Ferg was
out flying fighter jets and other kinds of things all throughout his
career, Susan raised four exceptional children. I will tell you as a
fellow naval aviator, it is the spouses who endure most of the
sacrifice and do the raising of the children. In Ferg's case I am very
grateful that Susan was the one who did that; and of course she was
working full time herself.
Their three sons, Cole, Evan, and Connor each earned the rank of
Eagle Scout. Cole and Evan graduated college, and Connor is currently
in college. His daughter, Cassie, earned her Girl Scout Silver Award
and is a college student and skilled equestrian.
I also know that when Ferg was in leadership positions, particularly
as the deputy to a two-star admiral, everybody's favorite thing, he
often stayed late so that his sailors and junior officers could get
home to be with their families.
It was the love and support of his own family that enabled Ferg to
serve and succeed in the Navy for the past 30 years, and I rise today
to recognize them for their service, as well.
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I thank the Fergusons: Brian, Susan,
Cole, Evan, Connor, and Cassie, for the sacrifices they have made for
the Navy and our country over the past 30 years.
Fair winds and following seas, shipmate. You are an American hero.
You will be missed in the Navy.
Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr.
Rutherford), my good friend.
Mr. RUTHERFORD. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend from Texas for
yielding.
Madam Speaker, today I stand before you proud as an American and the
son of a Navy veteran. Throughout my life I had the opportunity to
witness our servicemembers' unwavering commitment to this Nation.
I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of our all-volunteer
force in the United States military.
In January 1973, the Department of Defense replaced mandatory service
with an opportunity for brave men and women to voluntarily step up and
serve.
Over 15 million proud Americans have served over the last five
decades with more than 2 million voluntarily serving today. These
American heroes epitomize patriotism through their courage, honor, and
selflessness and represent the cornerstone of our military's
unparalleled strength.
We may think of our military strength in regard to weapons systems
and ships and aircraft, but, Madam Speaker, this does not highlight our
biggest military advantage, which is our people.
We have the most professional military in the world with a clear
command and control structure. As we face
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recruiting challenges among the services, we must remind our younger
generations of the honor to serve, protect, and defend the Constitution
against all enemies foreign and domestic.
{time} 1730
I have to tell you, I am very hopeful for our future when I think of
the brave men and women who will join our all-volunteer force over the
next 50 years.
I have to tell you, every Congress Member knows, as my good friend
from Texas knows, one of the greatest privileges we have is to nominate
young men and women to attend our military academies. I can tell you,
those men and women give me great hope for the future of the United
States military.
I thank all of those who volunteer, like Commander Jake Ellzey right
here. Thank you for your service. I thank your friend Brian Ferguson,
who I don't know, but I thank him for his service, and I thank him for
working on that film. It is one of my favorites.
May God bless the United States and those who willingly defend it.
Mr. ELLZEY. Madam Speaker, as many of you know, from time-to-time I
address the House floor with my version of a speech that my childhood
pastor would give every Sunday called ``Joys and Concerns.'' During
this time, he would highlight some of the remarkable things that
members of the church were doing and some of their many
accomplishments.
He would also take this time to bring up prayer requests. That would
unite us as a congregation to pray for our community and those in need.
Recently, I had the opportunity to go to Hillsboro, Texas, which is a
city in my district in Hill County. It is a remarkable place of
wonderful people, and they all love their country. The local community
college, Hill College, has a veterans' museum on campus.
If you take a moment before you walk into the museum, out front to
the right is a small memorial, and it is a ``Medal of Honor Memorial to
Native-Born Texans.'' It is engraved on a headstone. During my visits,
I am always drawn to those to see what I can find there.
My district is home to nine Medal of Honor recipients, and I would
like to take a moment to introduce them to you. If you will indulge me,
it will take a little time, but I think it is worth talking about as we
worry about the future of this country and what we are made of and the
greatness of our people. When I tell you their stories, you should have
no doubt that there should be no doubt about our past and our future.
From Dallas, Commander Samuel Dealey, who served our Nation in World
War II. He was born September 13, 1906, and served our Nation during
World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty as commanding officer of the USS Harder during her fifth war
patrol in Japanese-controlled waters.
Floodlighted by a bright moon and disclosed to an enemy destroyer
escort which bore down with the intent to attack, Commander Dealey
dived his submarine to periscope depth and waited for the pursuer to
close range, then opened fire, sending the target and all aboard down
in flames with his third torpedo.
Plunging deep to avoid fierce depth charges, he again surfaced, and
within 9 minutes after sighting another destroyer, had sent the enemy
down tail first with a direct hit immediately amidship.
Evading detection, he penetrated the confined waters off Tawi Tawi
with a Japanese fleet base 6 miles away and scored death blows on two
patrolling destroyers in quick succession. With his ship heeled over by
concussions from the first exploding target and the second vessel nose-
diving in a blinding detonation, he cleared the area at high speed.
Sighted by a large hostile fleet force on the following day, he swung
his bow toward the lead destroyer for another down-the-throat shot,
fired three bow tubes, and promptly crash-dived to be terrifically
rocked seconds later by the exploding ship as the USS Harder passed
beneath.
This remarkable record of five vital Japanese destroyers sunk in five
short-range torpedo attacks attested the valiant spirit of Commander
Dealey and his indomitable command.
From Hillsboro, Second Lieutenant James Harris.
Second Lieutenant Harris was born on June 27, 1916, and served our
Nation during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond
the call of duty on 7 October 1944 in Vagney, France.
At 9 p.m., an enemy raiding party comprising a tank and two platoons
of infantry infiltrated through the lines under cover of mist and
darkness and attacked an infantry battalion command post with hand
grenades, retiring a short distance to an ambush position on hearing
the approach of the M4 tank commanded by Second Lieutenant Harris.
Realizing the need for bold, aggressive action, Second Lieutenant
Harris ordered his tank to halt while he proceeded on foot, fully 10
yards ahead of his six-man patrol and armed only with a service pistol,
to probe the darkness of the enemy.
Although struck down and mortally wounded by machine gun bullets
which penetrated his solar plexus, he crawled back to his tank leaving
a trail of blood behind him and, too weak to climb inside it, issued
fire orders while lying on the road between two contending armored
vehicles.
Although the tank which he commanded was destroyed in the course of
the firefight, he stood the enemy off until friendly tanks, preparing
to come to his aid, caused the enemy to withdraw and thereby lose an
opportunity to kill or capture the entire battalion command personnel.
Suffering a second wound, which severed his leg at the hip in the
course of this tank duel, Second Lieutenant Harris refused aid until
after a wounded member of his crew had been carried to safety. He died
before he could be given medical attention.
God bless you, Second Lieutenant.
From Dallas, First Lieutenant Turney Leonard.
Turney Leonard was born on June 18, 1921, and served our Nation
during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for displaying
extraordinary heroism while commanding a platoon of mobile weapons at
Kommerscheidt, Germany, on November 4, 5, and 6, 1944. During the
fierce, 3-day engagement, he repeatedly braved overwhelming enemy fire
in advance of his platoon to direct the fire of his tank destroyer from
exposed, dismounted positions.
He went on lone reconnaissance missions to discover what opposition
his men faced, and on one occasion, when fired upon by a hostile
machine gun, advanced alone and eliminated the enemy emplacement with a
hand grenade. When a strong German attack threatened to overrun
friendly positions, he moved through withering artillery, mortar, and
small-arms fire, reorganized confused infantry units whose leaders had
become casualties, and exhorted them to hold firm.
Although wounded early in the battle, he continued to direct fire
from his advanced position until he was disabled by a high-explosive
shell which shattered his arm, forcing him to withdraw. He was last
seen at a medical aid station which the enemy subsequently captured.
By his superb courage, inspiring leadership, and indomitable fighting
spirit, First Lieutenant Leonard enabled our forces to hold off the
enemy attack and was personally responsible for the direction of fire
which destroyed six German tanks.
From Ennis, First Lieutenant Jack Lummus.
Jack was born October 22, 1915, and served our Nation during World
War II. He received the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty
as leader of a rifle platoon attached to the 2nd Battalion, 27th
Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces
on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on March 8, 1945, right before the
war ended.
Resuming his assault tactics with bold decision after fighting
without respite for 2 days and nights, First Lieutenant Lummus slowly
advanced his platoon against an enemy deeply entrenched in a network of
mutually supporting positions.
Suddenly halted by a terrific concentration of enemy fire, he
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unhesitatingly moved forward of his front lines in an effort to
neutralize the Japanese position. Although knocked to the ground when
an enemy grenade exploded close by, he immediately recovered himself
and, again moving forward despite the intensified barrage, quickly
located, attacked, and destroyed the occupied emplacement.
Instantly taken under fire by the garrison of a supporting pillbox
and further assailed by the slashing fury of hostile rifle fire, he
fell under the impact of a second enemy grenade but courageously
disregarding painful shoulder wounds, staunchly continued his heroic
one-man assault and charged the second pillbox, annihilating all of the
occupants.
Subsequently returning to his platoon position, he fearlessly
traversed his lines under fire, encouraging his men to advance and
directing the fire of supporting tanks against other stubbornly holding
Japanese emplacements.
Held up again by a devastating barrage, he again moved into the open,
rushed a third heavily fortified installation, and killed the defending
troops. Determined to crush all resistance, he led his men indomitably,
personally attacking foxholes and spider traps with his carbine and
systematically reducing the fanatic opposition until, stepping on a
land mine, he sustained fatal wounds.
By his outstanding valor, skilled tactics, and tenacious perseverance
in the face of overwhelming odds, First Lieutenant Lummus had inspired
his stouthearted marines to continue the relentless drive northward,
thereby contributing materially to the success of his regimental
mission.
His dauntless leadership and unwavering devotion to duty throughout
sustain and enhance the highest tradition of the United States Navy
service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
From Fort Worth, Second Lieutenant George O'Brien.
Second Lieutenant O'Brien was born on September 10, 1926, and served
our Nation during the Korean war. He received the Medal of Honor for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty as a rifle platoon commander of Company H in
action against enemy aggressor forces.
With his platoon subjected to an intense mortar and artillery
bombardment while preparing to assault a vitally important hill
position on the main line of resistance, which had been overrun by a
numerically superior enemy force on the preceding night, Second
Lieutenant O'Brien leaped from his trench when the attack signal was
given and, shouting for his men to follow, raced across an exposed
saddle and up the enemy-held hill through a virtual hail of deadly
small-arms, artillery, and mortar fire.
Although shot through the arm and thrown to the ground by hostile
automatic weapons fire as he neared the well-entrenched enemy position,
he bravely regained his feet, waved his men onward, and continued to
spearhead the assault, pausing only long enough to go to the aid of a
wounded marine.
Encountering the enemy at close range, he proceeded to hurl hand
grenades into the bunkers and, utilizing his carbine to the best of his
advantage in savage hand-to-hand combat, succeeded in killing at least
three of the enemy.
Struck down by the concussion of grenades on three occasions during
the subsequent action, he steadfastly refused to be evacuated for
medical treatment and continued to lead his platoon in the assault for
a period of nearly 4 hours, repeatedly encouraging his men and
maintaining superb direction of the unit.
With the attack halted, he set up a defense with his remaining forces
to prepare for a counterattack, personally checking each position,
attending to the wounded, and expediting their evacuation.
When a relief of the position was effected by another unit, he
remained to cover the withdrawal and to ensure that no wounded were
left behind.
By his exceptionally daring and forceful leadership in the face of
overwhelming odds, Second Lieutenant O'Brien served as a constant
source of inspiration to all who observed him and was greatly
instrumental in the recapture of a strategic position on the main line
of resistance. His indomitable determination and valiant fighting
spirit reflect the highest credit upon himself and enhance the finest
traditions of the U.S. Navy service.
From Palestine, Captain Steven Bennett.
Captain Steven Bennett was born on April 22, 1946, and served our
Nation during the Vietnam war. Captain Bennett was the pilot of a light
aircraft flying an artillery adjustment mission along a heavily
defended segment of route structure.
A large concentration of enemy troops were massing for an attack on a
friendly unit. Captain Bennett requested tactical air support but was
advised that none was available. He also requested artillery support,
but this, too, was denied due to the close proximity of friendly troops
to the target.
Captain Bennett was determined to aid the endangered unit and elected
to strafe the hostile positions. After four such passes, the enemy
forces began to retreat. Captain Bennett continued the attack, but as
he completed his fifth strafing pass, his aircraft was struck by a
surface-to-air missile which severely damaged the left engine and the
left main landing gear. As fire spread in the left engine, Captain
Bennett realized that recovery at a friendly airfield was impossible.
{time} 1745
He instructed his observer to prepare for ejection but was informed
by the observer that his parachute had been shredded by the force of
the impacting missile. Although Captain Bennett had a good parachute,
he knew that if he ejected, the observer would have no chance of
survival.
With complete disregard for his own life, Captain Bennett elected to
ditch the aircraft in the Gulf of Tonkin, even though he realized that
a pilot of this type of aircraft had never survived a ditching. The
ensuing impact upon the water caused the aircraft to cartwheel and
severely damaged the front cockpit, making escape for Captain Bennett
impossible. The observer successfully made his way out of the aircraft
and was rescued.
Captain Bennett's unparalleled concern for his companion,
extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity above and beyond the call of
duty at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest
traditions of U.S. military service and reflect great credit upon
himself and the United States Air Force.
From Corsicana, Sergeant Candelario Garcia, who was born on February
26, 1944, served our Nation during the Vietnam war. He received the
Medal of Honor for distinguishing himself with acts of gallantry and
intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an
acting team leader for Company Bravo, 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry, 1st
Brigade, 1st Infantry Division during combat operations against an
armed enemy in Lai Khe, Republic of Vietnam, on December 8, 1968.
On that day, while conducting reconnaissance, Sergeant Garcia and his
platoon discovered communication wire and other signs of an enemy-based
camp leading to a densely vegetated area. As the men advanced, they
came under intense fire. Several men were hit and trapped in the open.
Ignoring a hail of hostile bullets, Sergeant Garcia crawled to within
10 meters of a machine gun bunker, leapt to his feet, and ran directly
at the fortification, firing his rifle as he charged.
Sergeant Garcia jammed two hand grenades into the gun port and then
placed the muzzle of the weapon inside, killing all four occupants.
Continuing to expose himself to intense enemy fire, Sergeant Garcia
raced 15 meters to another bunker and killed its three defenders with
hand grenades and rifle fire.
After again braving the enemy's barrage in order to rescue two
casualties, he joined his company in an assault which overran the
remaining enemy positions.
Sergeant Garcia's extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and
beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.
Finally, from Dallas, Specialist Robert Law, who was born on
September 15, 1944, served our Nation during the Vietnam war. He
received the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
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Specialist Law distinguished himself while serving with Company I.
While on a long-range reconnaissance patrol in the Tinh Phuoc Thanh
Province, Specialist Law and five comrades made contact with a small
enemy patrol. As the opposing elements exchanged intense fire, he
maneuvered to a perilously exposed position, flanking his comrades, and
began placing suppressive fire on the hostile troops.
Although his team was hindered by a low supply of ammunition and
suffered from an unidentified irritating gas in the air, Specialist
Law's spirited defense and challenging counterassault rallied his
fellow soldiers against the well-equipped hostile troops.
When an enemy grenade landed in his team's position, Specialist Law,
instead of diving into the safety of a stream behind him, threw himself
on the grenade to save the lives of his comrades.
Specialist Law's extraordinary courage and profound concern for his
fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of U.S.
military service and the U.S. Army.
These men made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow soldiers,
their families, and their country. I was humbled and moved to see their
names displayed for all those who visit to see, and I wanted to talk
about them on the floor.
If you have the opportunity, I encourage you to visit this memorial
to pay respect to those men whom we all owe a debt of gratitude for the
freedoms we enjoy today.
Now, I want to recognize some members of our community who have gone
above and beyond.
I congratulate Kira Neff from Midlothian on recently attaining the
rank of Eagle Scout. This level of success is only accomplished through
dedication and hard work. The many hours put into this badge are
evident by her success.
I congratulate Kyle Austin from Palestine on being awarded the
Anderson County Sheriff's Office Life Saving Award. I thank him for all
he does.
I congratulate Laikahs Kelly from Corsicana on winning the State
championship in powerlifting in her respected weight class--a
tremendous accomplishment.
I congratulate Mason Couch from Palestine on his recent promotion to
sergeant in the Correctional Division for the Anderson County Sheriff's
Office. Our community is very fortunate to have him take on this new
role, and the citizens of Anderson County will benefit from his years
of experience in law enforcement.
I congratulate Michelle Woodall from Mansfield and the students of
Ben Barber Innovation Academy on being named DECA Chapter of the Year
for 2022. Being recognized on a national level is an amazing
accomplishment, and they should be proud of everyone who worked this
past school year to help them earn this accolade.
I congratulate Nora Frasier from Mansfield on being awarded the 2022
Excellence in Leadership Award for the Texas Organization for Nursing
Leadership and for being recognized as one of 23 notable women in Texas
hospitals, healthcare, and public policy by the Texas
Hospital Association. These awards are a tribute to her courageous and
selfless acts working in healthcare and the exemplary contributions she
has shown to the hospital. I truly appreciate all that she does in the
field of nursing and the outstanding service, compassion, and
leadership that she shows toward her staff and those around her. I
thank her for keeping our community's health a high priority.
I congratulate William Stewart from Palestine and the Palestine High
School Student Council on winning the Sweepstakes Award and being
recognized as a Sweepstakes Council by the Texas Association of Student
Councils. It is an incredible accomplishment, and I know it took many
hours of practice and dedication to reach this success.
I congratulate Paul Box from Waxahachie on placing third overall in
the men's division at the World Marathon Challenge. It is an incredible
accomplishment, and I trust that his hard work and enthusiasm for
running will inspire others to exhibit the same discipline and
leadership qualities that have helped him become a world-class athlete.
I congratulate Rustin Smith from Midlothian on also achieving Eagle
Scout.
I congratulate Victor Campa from Ennis on being named Firefighter of
the Year for 2022 from the Ennis Fire Department. This award is a
tribute to his courageous and selfless acts as a first responder. I
thank him for his willingness to serve Ennis and the State of Texas.
I congratulate Mary Gunter from Fairfield on 40 years of service for
the Child Nutrition Department at Fairfield Independent School
District. I thank her for her commitment and love for her students and
families in her community.
I congratulate Mike Littrell from Dawson on being inducted into the
Ag Teachers Association of the Texas Hall of Fame. I thank him for all
his hard work in teaching ag through hands-on learning at Dawson ISD
and feeding the world.
I congratulate Andy McClendon from Midlothian on his graduation from
The American Legion Boys State program. I, myself, was a Boys State
graduate. Being elected to participate as a delegate reflects his hard
work, dedication, and strong leadership skills.
I recognize Curtis Putz from Corsicana for being awarded the Star of
Texas by Governor Abbott. This honor recognizes his commitment to our
community, which will have a lasting impact for many years to come. I
thank him for the risks that he has taken, the sacrifices he makes, and
his acts of selflessness for others. Navarro County is a safer place to
live because of him.
I also congratulate Waxahachie CARE for being awarded Nonprofit of
the Year from the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce. I thank them for
supporting the families in our wonderful community. Their commitment to
helping families in need in our area is truly remarkable.
Finally, I thank Hill County Emergency Management, Texas A&M Forest
Service, Hillsboro Fire Department, and White Bluff Volunteer Fire
Department for their work containing the wildfire near Blum, Texas, on
July 31. This deadly fire engulfed over 300 acres and claimed several
buildings. Because of the dedication and the hard work of all those
involved, no homes were lost and no lives were lost.
Finally, I congratulate Commissioner Lane Grayson, Neal Bryd, Chad
Spence, Casey Crow, Ruben Benavidez, Brenda Blaylock, James Byrd, Neal
Byrd, Jimer Cannaday, Rodney Dickerson, Russel Ellison, Dwight Koch,
Fernando Limon, Adam Pryor, Chad Spence, Tim Zabojnik, and Leon Zajic,
all of Ellis County Precinct 2 for achieving 3,000 days of no lost
time. This is an achievement that few construction crews can claim. It
requires 3,000 days of no work-related injuries. I thank them for all
of their hard work and, more importantly, putting the safety of their
fellow coworkers and citizens above all.
These are just a few examples of some outstanding people living in
Texas' Sixth District. When you think that there is no hope in our
country, know that there is, that there are people in our communities
and here in Washington working hard to leave this world a better place
than when they got here. It is my privilege to honor them on the House
floor.
Every Sunday after the joys would come the concerns, and there was
never a shortage because everybody knew in Matthew, he says: ``Where
two or three are gathered in my name, I am in the midst of them.''
I start with a concern from Katherine from Palestine, whose mother
recently got diagnosed with cancer. She asked that we keep her in our
prayers as she and her family go through this difficult time.
Tamra from Jacksonville asks us to keep all of our homeless veterans
in our prayers. Many are battling with mental illness and unseen wounds
from their time defending our country.
Neal from Irving is concerned about what he sees in the news with
regard to fentanyl. While he does not understand why anybody would
choose to take it, he knows it is a problem.
Mark from Whitney recently took his wife to the hospital for a
collapsed lung and asked that we keep her in our prayers.
John from Whitney is joyful for the life that God has given him and
is concerned about the chemo and radiation treatment he started this
week. My
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thoughts and prayers are with John and Shelby and their family.
To close out, I want to bring attention to a brave young lady who has
been visiting us here in Washington this week and needs our prayers.
Isabella Day is 12 years old. During a routine doctor visit, she was
diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma when she was only 9 months old.
Since the day she was diagnosed, Isabella and her parents, Tim and
Leslie, along with her sisters Anna and Jaclyn, have dedicated
themselves to helping children with childhood cancer.
Back in May, I met Isabella in my office, and I was moved by her
story. Before that, I met her out on the campaign trail. She came and
talked to me and asked me some really hard questions. I was really
impressed by her and asked her to come to the office.
This week, she has had the opportunity to share her story with
Chairwoman Granger, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, Congressman Steny
Hoyer, Congresswoman Katherine Clark, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris
Rodgers, Congressman Dan Crenshaw, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo,
Congressman Robert Aderholt, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, and
Congressman Juan Ciscomani.
If she was of age according to the Constitution, I think she would
probably be put forth as a candidate for President. She is that
impressive, and I am proud to know her.
I am thankful to each of my friends who took the time to visit with
her. It changed my life. She has changed my life, and I know it did
yours.
I mentioned the nine recipients of the Medal of Honor from different
ages and eras, and I served with men and women who, no doubt, had we
been in conflict today, would be deserving of that, too, so I just want
to tell people that when you lose hope, there is much to be hopeful for
in this country. We have incredible women here in this Chamber,
incredible men here in this Chamber, Representatives up here in
Washington, D.C., who sacrifice a lot of their time, a lot of time with
their families, to serve.
Don't read the hype in the media. Understand that they are working
very hard. Remember that when I talk about these Medal of Honor men who
were drafted in World War II or Vietnam, they would tell you that they
are just like any of the others of us called to do something great, and
they were awarded a medal for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of their lives and usually in the face of overwhelming odds.
What we face today is not overwhelming. We are the United States of
America. We have and can continue to accomplish anything we set our
minds to.
I ask that we keep all Americans in our prayers, keep joy in your
hearts, hope in man, and faith in God.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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