[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E40-E41]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING JAMES PALMERSHEIM

                                  _____
                                 

                          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 
Captain James Palmersheim, 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.
  Captain Palmersheim was commissioned as an officer in the United 
States Army in 1984 as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Marquette 
University's ROTC program. He served on active duty as an Army aviator 
and intelligence officer, flying both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, 
including the OV-1D Mohawk and RU-21H. During his service with the 
224th Military Intelligence Battalion, he demonstrated exceptional 
skill and leadership earning the Air Assault Badge, Senior Aviator 
Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and National 
Defense Service Ribbon.
  Following his military career, Captain Palmersheim has continued to 
exemplify selfless service through a lifetime of work supporting 
veterans, military families, and youth across the Nation. In 2003, he 
led a national effort to restore and fly a Huey helicopter across the 
country culminating in its historic landing on the National Mall, where 
it now stands as a centerpiece of the Smithsonian's Price of Freedom 
exhibit. As founder and longtime director of American Airlines' 
Veterans and Military Initiatives program, he helped develop 
groundbreaking partnerships that provided resources, recognition, and 
support for wounded warriors, Gold Star families, and military 
personnel worldwide.
  Captain Palmersheim has also served on the boards of numerous 
nonprofit organizations, including the Air Power Foundation, the Gary 
Sinise Foundation, and Snowball Express, which honors children of 
fallen service

[[Page E41]]

members. He co-founded Independence Corps Foundation, which has donated 
millions of dollars in mobility equipment to veterans and first 
responders with disabilities. He currently sits on the board of the 
Tribute to Valor Foundation, an organization he helped establish to 
inspire students nationwide through the core values of the Medal of 
Honor and STEM education. His service has earned him multiple 
prestigious honors, including the Medal of Honor Society Patriot Award, 
the Order of Saint Michael from the Army Aviation Association of 
America, and honorary recognition from the 160th Special Operations 
Aviation Regiment and the 457th Fighter Squadron.
  Captain Palmersheim's unwavering dedication to veterans, their 
families, and the next generation reflects the highest traditions of 
the United States Army and brings great credit upon himself, the State 
of Texas, and the United States of America.

                          ____________________