[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 131 (Friday, August 16, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO LIEUTENANT COLONEL ASA PEARSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETH VAN DUYNE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 16, 2024

  Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr Speaker, I rise today to honor our Texas-24 
Hometown Hero, Lieutenant Colonel Asa Pearson from Bedford, who is 
retiring from the United States Army after 40 years of honorable 
service. LTC Pearson began his military career in October 1983, when he 
enlisted in the Army. He completed his basic training at airborne 
school and AIT, then he was assigned to the 1st Special Operations 
Command as a Psychological Operations Specialist. LTC Pearson has been 
a steadfast pillar in our community, dedicating his time, expertise, 
and compassion to helping the knowledge and well-being of those who 
need it most. During his 40 years of service in the Army, he advanced 
from Private E1 to Sergeant First Class and earned a Bachelor of 
Science degree in Emergency Management from the University of North 
Texas.
  While working as a PSYOP subject matter expert at the John F. Kennedy 
School of Special Warfare, LTC Pearson was recommended for, and 
accepted, a Direct Commission. As a Commissioned Officer, he continued 
his professional development by attending the Bush School of Government 
to study International Affairs and by earning a master's degree from 
Texas Christian University. LTC Pearson has consistently sought 
opportunities to expand his knowledge, attending the Transportation 
Officer course, the Civil Affairs Officers Advanced Course, and the 
PSYOP Officers course. In addition, he has served in the following 
roles: PSYOP Team Sergeant in Desert Storm, Civil Affairs Joint Staff 
Officer in the Balkans, PSYOP Detachment Commander to Afghanistan, and 
Civil Affairs Company Commander in the Horn of Africa.
  LTC Pearson was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic actions 
in Desert Storm and has also received four Meritorious Service Medals, 
the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the 
Master Parachutist Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, and the Russian Basic 
Airborne Badge.
  Lieutenant Colonel Asa Pearson exemplifies the finest North Texas has 
to offer. As we honor him today, we do so not just with gratitude for 
his 40 years of service in the United States Army, but also with 
appreciation for his dedication to our community.

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