[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19222]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION 
                    FOR THE THIRD DISTRICT OF TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 16, 2013

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor 
fourteen distinguished military veterans, community servants, and 
American patriots who call the Third District of Texas home. All 
faithfully answered the call of duty and placed service above self for 
the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves a legacy to be 
remembered, for future generations to follow, a legacy of bravery, 
loyalty, dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless service, bold 
leadership, and undying commitment for their neighbor and nation, the 
following individual has been selected as a recipient of the third 
annual Congressional Veteran Commendation:
  Captain Richard ``BJ'' Bjorklund served in the United States Air 
Force from 1966 to 1975. After graduating from the U.S. Air Force 
Academy, Mr. Bjorklund headed to pilot training at Reese Air Force Base 
in Lubbock, Texas. Later, he was assigned to the 668th Bomb Squadron, 
at Griffiss Air Force Base in New York and was shortly deployed to 
Anderson Air Force Base in Guam. He served two tours of duty at 
Anderson, and flew 75 Arc Light combat missions over Southeast Asia as 
a B-52 pilot. For his distinguished service, he received the Vietnam 
Service Medal and the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters.
  Since his honorable discharge in 1975, Mr. Bjorklund has worked as an 
investment advisor in Dallas, Texas, and has tirelessly devoted his 
time and efforts in service to our community. Back in 1985, he helped 
Congressman Dick Armey establish his Service Academy Selection Board. 
Mr. Bjorklund served as chairman of that board for the next 18 years 
until Congressman Armey retired as the House Majority Leader. Also 
involved in local politics, Mr. Bjorklund has been a delegate to the 
Texas GOP State Convention in both 2010 and 2012 and currently serves 
in an appointed position on the Collin County Health Care Advisory 
Board. He is also an active member in his church, Christ Church in 
Plano, Texas, and has served as chairman of the Building Fund Campaign 
as well as chairman of the Stewardship Campaign. On Memorial Day 2012, 
he hiked 35 miles with the Carry the Load Campaign in memory of 
veterans that have lost their lives for our great Nation. What a 
fitting reminder that all gave some, but some gave all.
  Captain Richard ``BJ'' Bjorklund, let me both thank and congratulate 
you on your exceptional service to our country and community both past 
and present. It is my pleasure to award you the 2013 Congressional 
Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

                          ____________________