[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E39-E40]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING ERIC LEE NEWTON

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. BETH VAN DUYNE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 14, 2026

  Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful 
Nation and the citizens of the 24th Congressional District of Texas. 
The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to 
Sergeant Eric Lee Newton, United States Army, of Colleyville, Texas, 
for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of 
America and for his continued service to his community.
  Sergeant Newton served honorably in the United States Army from 1968 
to 1971 as a tank commander with K Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry 
Regiment, under the command of Colonel George Patton. While deployed to 
Vietnam from July 1968 to July 1969, he displayed extraordinary courage 
and devotion to

[[Page E40]]

his fellow soldiers. During a mortar attack on his unit, Sergeant 
Newton was wounded by shrapnel while shielding his comrades and 
rescuing the company mascot, sustaining injuries that earned him the 
Purple Heart. His exemplary service also earned him the Army 
Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 
National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and recognition 
for marksmanship on both the M-14 and M-16 rifles. His unit 
additionally received the Valorous Unit Award and the Vietnam Cross of 
Gallantry with Palm for collective heroism in combat.
  Following his military service, Sergeant Newton has remained a 
lifelong advocate for veterans and a pillar of his community. He has 
served as Senior Vice Commander of the Military Order of the Purple 
Heart Chapter 1513 in the Mid-Cities and as Junior Vice Commander for 
the Department of Texas, championing programs that support wounded 
veterans and their families. For more than thirty years, he has also 
served as the National Public Affairs Officer for the 11th Armored 
Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia, preserving the legacy of 
those who served and ensuring their sacrifices are remembered.
  Beyond his dedication to veterans, Sergeant Newton has spent decades 
volunteering across Colleyville as a coach, civic volunteer, and youth 
mentor. He served on the design committee for Colleyville Heroes Park, 
volunteered with Kidsville Park, and coached youth baseball and soccer. 
In 2005, he returned to Iraq to document the 11th Armored Cavalry 
Regiment's combat history, continuing his lifelong commitment to 
telling the story of American service and sacrifice.
  Sergeant Newton's courage in battle, enduring service to veterans, 
and steadfast commitment to his community reflect the highest 
traditions of the United States Army and bring great credit upon 
himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

                          ____________________