[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 172 (Friday, October 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E966-E967]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILLIAM (BILL) PATTERSON MATTHEWS, USA, 
           RETIRED, WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 17, 2025

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present retired USA 
Lieutenant Colonel William (Bill) Patterson Matthews, of Mexia, Texas, 
with a Congressional Veteran Commendation in recognition of his 
outstanding service to both his country and his community.
  After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas A&M 
University, Lt. Col. Matthews served with distinction in the United 
States Army for over 24 years. His military career included service in 
over 30 countries, and a particularly harrowing tour in Vietnam from 
1967 to 1968 with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse), where 
he served under Colonel George Patton and Colonel Jimmie Leach. During 
that time, he was twice wounded by RPG attacks, survived two mine 
explosions, and earned two Bronze Stars for Valor, the Army 
Commendation Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He was 
medevacked to Fort Hood after his second Purple Heart. He continued to 
serve in command roles for the rest of his active service and 
subsequently earned a Master's in Business Administration from Syracuse 
University, eventually retiring in 1992.
  Following his military retirement, Lt. Col. Matthews settled in 
Mexia, Texas, where he launched a second career in education. He earned 
teaching and principal certifications from Tarleton State University. 
Beginning in 1994, he taught 7th grade science in Mexia ISD and went on 
to become principal at Mexia Intermediate and later R.Q. Sims 
Intermediate School. He earned a reputation as an innovative and 
passionate educator, implementing impactful programs like ``Blackcats 
Don't Bully'' to combat bullying and ``Colonel's Kids'' to support 
underperforming students from low-income backgrounds. These initiatives 
benefited over 400 students and helped earn him recognition as runner-
up for Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) Elementary 
Principal of the Year in 2002. He also helped the district achieve its 
first-ever ``Exemplary'' rating and introduced several science-focused 
initiatives, including dedicated labs and an outdoor classroom. His 
educational philosophy emphasizes that every child can learn when 
properly led and supported, a belief he carried throughout his career.
  In addition to his educational work, Lt. Col. Matthews remained 
deeply engaged in civic life. He served multiple terms as president and 
song leader of the century-old Mexia Lions Club and founded the ``Red, 
White, and Blue Car Show'' in 2012, which became the club's major 
fundraising event. He has also been a dedicated member of the First 
Baptist Church of Mexia since 1992, serving as a deacon, Sunday school 
teacher and director, and choir member. He has actively participated in 
church productions like the Easter Pageant and Christmas Dinner 
Theater. His return to teaching in 2012, where he taught physics and 
coached golf until his final retirement in 2022, underscores his 
unwavering commitment to

[[Page E967]]

youth development and community enrichment.
  His exemplary record of military valor, educational leadership, and 
civic dedication makes him an ideal recipient of the Congressional 
Veteran Commendation. It is with great honor and respect that I present 
retired USA Lieutenant Colonel William (Bill) Patterson Matthews with a 
Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District 
of Texas.

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