[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 174 (Tuesday, October 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING WILLIAM ``BILL'' FOREST HARRIS WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN 
                              COMMENDATION

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 2025

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William ``Bill'' 
Forest Harris of Cameron, Texas, by presenting him with a Congressional 
Veteran Commendation. His persistent efforts in fostering beliefs of 
sacrifice and respect reflect his value as a leader during service and 
retirement.
  Bill was drafted into the United States Army in 1969 and served a 
combat tour in Vietnam with the 809th Engineer Battalion. The 
battalion's mission was diverse, including construction, aviation 
support, and multi-role bridging capabilities, all while maintaining a 
combat-ready posture to fight at a moment's notice. Bill's heroic 
efforts earned him the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam 
Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. After being honorably 
discharged in 1970, Bill served in the Army Reserves until 1975.
  Although his military service had ended, Bill stayed committed to the 
honorable life of a public servant, becoming a firefighter with the 
Temple Fire Department before turning to serve in their Police 
department from 1974 to 1981. During his time in the police department 
Bill rose to the position of investigator and served as part of the 
Central Texas Narcotics and Organized Crime Task Force. Bill joined the 
Milam County Sheriff's office in 1982, where he served the remainder of 
his distinguished law enforcement career. Upon his retirement from that 
position, he continued to serve as a reserve deputy and as the 
Sheriff's office Chaplain until 2023.
  Bill's commitment to Milam County is evident in every aspect of his 
life. His business, Cameron Tire Store, has been a staple of the 
community since he purchased the property in 1992. Bill has served on 
committees and boards repeatedly since moving to Milam County, as his 
leadership cannot go unnoticed. In the early 2000's, he was selected to 
serve on the committee tasked with developing the new jail for Milam 
County. His work with this committee led to the conversion of an old 
hospital into the new offices for the Sheriff's Department, the Texas 
Department of Public Safety, Precinct One and Two Justices of the 
Peace, and attached to all of this was a new modern jail.
  Bill has served on the Cameron Housing Board, as member and director, 
and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the North Milam 
Water Supply District and served as a city councilman for years. From 
2000 to 2024, he served as the Mayor of Cameron, stepping in to serve 
as Interim City Manager while the city was held without one. Bill does 
not simply lend a helping hand, but he truly commits himself to 
enforcing change and improvement where it is needed.
  At nearly 77 years old, while raising three children and being a 
grandfather to two, many would have retired, but not Bill. He continues 
to work hard every day as the owner of multiple businesses, which he 
runs with his wife Gwyn. His service has been recognized by the Cameron 
Chamber of Commerce, which named him Citizen of the Year in 2007 and 
presented him with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. As a man of 
great faith, Bill continues to serve as pastor of Davilla Baptist 
Church.
  Through community, both broadly as an American and much more 
personally in any number of ways, through family, and of course through 
a strong commitment to faith, Bill has made himself more than worthy of 
this achievement.
  It is with great honor and respect that I present William ``Bill'' 
Forest Harris with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th 
Congressional District of Texas. His exemplary service to our Nation 
and continued contribution to his community stand as an inspiration to 
us all.

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