[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 153 (Thursday, September 21, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E873]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





      RECOGNIZING KENNETH WARREN LEE WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN 
                              COMMENDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PETE SESSIONS-

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2023

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present Kenneth Warren 
Lee, of Huntsville, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. 
His hard work and dedication epitomize the best of East Texas values.
  Kenneth Lee enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1963 when only 
eighteen years old. His 6 years of honorable active duty set the stage 
for a lifetime of service. Ken completed Instructors Orientation 
School, Military Police School, and a Criminal Investigation course-and 
was deployed to Viet Nam. He was rewarded with the National Defense 
Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (2 Stars), Vietnam Campaign Medal 
(w/device), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, 
and a Presidential Unit Citation.
  Ken left the Corps as a Staff Sergeant in 1969. He married Judy, the 
love of his life, and they began building the life they still share. 
Using his military training and experience, Ken immediately went to 
work for the Dallas Police Department. In 1975 he transitioned to the 
DEA, retiring in 1999. His ``retirement'' was short lived: Ken served 
with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Security Threat Groups 
from 1999 to 2005, where he conceived the Gang Renouncement and 
Disassociation program still utilized today.
  Ken is a lifetime member and leader of the VFW and active in the 
American Legion. He is Board President of the H.E.A.R.T.S. (Helping 
Every American Remember Through Serving) Veterans Museum of Texas in 
Huntsville. Working with other volunteers, Ken helped the museum grow 
from its infancy to its current permanent home--and has done it all--
from setting up displays to giving tours and cleaning up at the end of 
a long day. After hosting the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, and with 
personal inspiration and leadership, Ken led fundraising to build an 80 
percent scale version of the Wall, in permanent tribute to our Texas 
Vietnam veteran heroes. Ken also leads H.E.A.R.T.S. outreach, assisting 
veterans with transportation, coordinating medical appointments, home 
modifications, groceries, and everything in between.
  He has served as President of the Texas Narcotics Officer 
Association. Ken and Judy both assist with Vacation Bible School, and 
Ken serves on the church security team. This tireless couple often 
supports many other community organizations and clubs.
  I proudly commend Kenneth Warren Lee of Huntsville to his friends, 
family, and colleagues, and salute his enduring service to the Corps 
and community with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th 
Congressional District of Texas.

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