[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

[[Page H4337]]

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.

[[Page H4338]]

  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

[[Page H4339]]

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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