[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 153 (Thursday, September 21, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING BRIAN LEE CREWS WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

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                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2023

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to present Brian Lee Crews of 
Lufkin, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His service 
to his Nation and community speaks to the best of Texas.
  A Lufkin native, Brian enlisted in the Marine Corps delayed entry 
program in 1980 when only a high school junior, drilling monthly with a 
Marine Reserve Unit in Shreveport, Louisiana throughout his last two 
years in high school. In 1981, Brian reported for ``boot camp'' at 
Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California; he then underwent 
infantry training at Camp Pendleton, California. He served as a First 
Platoon Radio Operator, then transferred to Marine Reserve Unit Fox 
Company, 2D Battalion, 23D Marine Regiment, Salt Lake City, Utah as the 
Commanding Officers Radio Operator. Transferred to the 4th Tank TOW 
Co., LT 4th MARDIV in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Brian served as a squad 
leader, section leader, and TOW Trainer. While in the TOW Unit, he was 
chosen to lead the detail charged with performing funerals/honors for 
Marines killed in the Beirut barracks bombing. Brian served with the 
Toys for Tots campaign at all duty stations. He attained the rank of 
Sergeant, receiving his honorable discharge in 1991. He earned the 
Organized Marine Corps Reserve Medal, Rifle Expert (3), and Pistol 
Expert (3).
  A Lufkin ISD ``Teacher of the Year,'' Brian has taught Graphic 
Design/Printing Technologies at Lufkin High School for more than 30 
years. The founding member of the Lufkin Detachment of the Marine Corps 
League, chartered in 2010, he was instrumental in starting the local 
Toys for Tots campaign in 2011 and serves as the Campaign Coordinator. 
He founded the Military Association Resources Disaster Emergency Team 
in 2017 during Hurricane Harvey, using surplus military vehicles and 
equipment to provide search, rescue, and recovery during national 
disasters. Brian founded and produced the Angelina County AirFest, a 
local aviation event with proceeds benefitting the local Toys for Tots. 
He is a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club, and a LOVE INC. 
Volunteer of the Year recipient.
  It is my honor to award Brian L. Crews with a Congressional Veteran 
Commendation.

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