[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 165 (Friday, November 8, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO GABRIEL GRIESS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETH VAN DUYNE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 8, 2024

  Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our Texas-24 
Hometown Hero, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel 
Griess. After graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Gabriel 
Griess was deployed to Afghanistan as a C-130 Cargo Aircraft Navigator 
in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Anaconda. His heroic 
service included evacuating critically injured troops, destroying Al 
Qaeda strongholds, flying in critical supplies, and providing air 
support to ground troops. He continued to serve in leadership and 
command positions with numerous worldwide deployments and tours of 
duty, journeying to over 40 countries. His valiant service earned him 
the Legion of Merit in 2013 and Air Mobility Command Company Grade 
Officer of the Year in 2003.
  After 24 years, Lieutenant Colonel Griess retired from the U.S. Air 
Force and moved his family to Grapevine. Inspired by the quality of 
care and commitment of U.S. aero-medical evacuation teams while 
deployed, as well as the incredible healthcare professionals who 
treated his daughter's pediatric epilepsy, Mr. Griess founded Excel 
Medical Staffing and MedForceX, LLC, service-disabled veteran-owned 
small businesses that provide contingent clinical staffing services 
across the country. He has been active in our community, serving on 
multiple city boards, coaching youth lacrosse, and integrating charity 
work into his company's referral program.
  I'd like to thank Mr. Griess for going above and beyond to serve our 
North Texas community and our great Nation.

                          ____________________