[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 6]
[House]
[Pages 8324-8327]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO FALLEN FIRST RESPONDERS OF WEST, TEXAS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Collins of New York). Under the 
Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2013, the Chair recognizes the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Flores) for 30 minutes.
  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, the city of West, Texas, is a small, tight-
knit community located a few miles north of Waco, Texas, with a 
population of just under 3,000. West is commonly known for its Czech 
bakeries, Czech gift shops and antique stores, and it has been 
recognized as the ``Czech Heritage Capital of Texas.''
  On April 17, the city of West was subject to a catastrophic explosion 
that was felt hundreds of miles away. The tragic explosion injured 
hundreds, caused tens of millions of dollars in damage, and took 15 
lives.
  On the evening of the explosion, first responders from West and 
surrounding communities responded to a fire at the West Fertilizer 
Company. These brave men worked to try and tame the flames and evacuate 
a nearby apartment complex and nursing home when the explosion erupted 
and rocked this small community.
  When the smoke cleared and the rescue mission was complete, we 
learned we had lost 12 first responders. These brave men died while 
doing the job that they were trained and prepared to do in order to 
keep our community safe. Today, we honor and remember these fallen 
first responders who put themselves in harm's way for the good of their 
family, their friends, their neighbors, and their community.
  Mr. Speaker, today we remember Morris Wayne Bridges, Jr., of West, 
Texas. He was born February 28, 1972, in Dallas, Texas, to Morris and 
Sharon Bridges. He attended schools in Dallas and later became a 
pipefitter for Action Fire Pro in Waxahachie, Texas. He had been a 
volunteer for the West Fire Department for the past 3 years.
  Morris loved to ride motorcycles. He also loved to go fishing and 
enjoyed camping and the outdoors.
  He was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his 
memory his wife, Carmen Bridges; three children, Brent Bridges, 
Brittany Bridges, and Jaemeson Bridges, all of West; and two sisters, 
Lula Mill of Bristol and Melinda Hager of Olean, Missouri; and many 
friends and extended family.
  Mr. Speaker, today we remember Perry Wayne Calvin of Frost, Texas. He 
was born January 18, 1976, in Dallas, Texas, to Phil and Cindy Calvin. 
He graduated from Frost High School and attended the Fire Academy and 
Emergency Medical Technician school at Hill College. Perry was a self-
employed farmer and loved the outdoors. He was a member of the Navarro 
Mills Volunteer Fire Department and the Mertens Volunteer Fire 
Department.
  Perry enjoyed horseback riding, rodeos, fishing, and especially 
spending time with his family.
  He was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his 
memory his wife, Rebecca Ann Calvin; two sons, Paul Wyatt Calvin and 
Preston Calvin, all of Frost; a brother, Wes Calvin and his wife, 
Emily, of Frost; two sisters, Penny Dixon of Bryan-College Station and 
Page Calvin, who is currently serving in the United States Air Force; 
his grandmother, Edna Calvin of Hutchins; and several nieces, nephews, 
and other relatives and friends.
  Mr. Speaker, today we remember Jerry Dane Chapman of Hillsboro. He 
was born April 7, 1987, in Pampa, Texas, to Martin Dane and Rhonda 
Chapman. He grew up in Pampa and moved to Hillsboro in 2003. Jerry had 
various jobs early in his career and ultimately discovered his passion, 
which began

[[Page 8325]]

when he became a member of the Abbott Volunteer Firefighters. He then 
proceeded to work towards becoming an emergency medical technician.
  He loved all things Batman, Star Wars, Tolkien, and was an avid video 
gamer. As an avid electronics enthusiast, he always wanted to be on the 
cutting edge of technology. He was a generous person; he would give 
what he had to anyone in need.

                              {time}  2030

  Jerry was known for his passion for helping others, both those he 
knew and those he did not. His willingness and giving spirit were fit 
for the career he chose to pursue as a firefighter and an EMT.
  He was preceded in death by an uncle, Rodney McCulloch, who was also 
a volunteer firefighter. He leaves to cherish his memory, his parents, 
Dane and Rhonda Chapman of Hillsboro; maternal grandfather, Bryan 
McCulloch, and his wife, Joy, of Plainview; maternal grandmother, 
Charlotte McCulloch, of Lubbock; paternal grandparents, Gerald and 
Janet Chapman of Amarillo; great grandmother, Gladys Ragle, of Lubbock; 
one sister, Shay Pohlmann, and her husband, Justin, of Nacogdoches; 
niece, Chloe Rose Pohlmann, of Nacogdoches; and many friends and 
extended family.
  Mr. Speaker, tonight we remember Cody Frank Dragoo of West. He was 
born October 15, 1962, in Billings, Montana, to Christopher Clyde and 
Mildred Dragoo. Cody graduated from Montana State University with a 
degree in agriculture.
  He had been employed with the West Chemical and Fertilizer plant for 
many years. As a member of the West Volunteer Fire Department, Cody was 
very involved with the annual volunteer fire department barbecue cook-
off fundraiser and organized tractor pulls in West.
  Cody enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, watching NASCAR, and being 
with family and friends. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church 
of the Assumption in West and the Knights of Columbus Council 2305. He 
served as the president of the Cottonwood Water Supply.
  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Tom Dragoo. He 
leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Patty Dragoo, of West; 
sisters, Shirley McDonald, and husband, Matt, of Billings, Montana, and 
Loretta Fisher and husband, Richard of Fort Worth; brother-in-law, Gary 
Berger, of West; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Carolyn and Ron 
Sumner of Houston, David and Janet Mynar, of Midlothian, Michael and 
Natalie Mynar of Weatherford, Susan and James Miller, of West, and 
Cindy and Tony Kubacak, of West; and numerous nieces, nephews, and 
other extended family and friends.
  Mr. Speaker, today we remember Captain Kenneth ``Luckey'' Harris, 
Jr., of West. He was born November 21, 1960, in Killeen, Texas, to 
Kenneth Luckey Harris, Sr. and Scottie Harris. He graduated from 
Crawford High School and went on to attend McLennan Community College 
until he was accepted into the Dallas Fire Academy.
  He graduated from the Dallas Fire Academy in 1982 and served as a 
firefighter with the Dallas Fire Department for over 31 years, 
attaining the rank of captain. He also owned Harris Home Inspections 
and Construction with his family.
  Luckey loved offshore fishing with his sons and spending time on his 
boat, the Boots Up he called it. He also enjoyed hunting, traveling, 
and spending time with friends. He was a member of the High Point 
Church in Waco and the Dallas Firefighters Associated Local 58.
  He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 28 years, Holly 
Harris, of West; three sons, Jud Harris, of Grapevine, Jarrod Harris 
and Heath Harris, both of Midland; mother, Scottie Isham, and husband, 
Emory, of West; father, Ken Harris, and wife, Annita, of Crawford; 
sisters, Anne Harris, of Quinlan, Carmen Burkhart and husband, Brian, 
of Hutto; three nieces, Abby Hunt and husband, Jeff, Bethany Grubb and 
fiance, Jay Baker, and Andrea Burkhart; nephew, Perry Burkhart; great-
nephew, Hayden Hunt; and many friends and extended family.
  Mr. Speaker, today we remember Jimmy Ray Matus of West. He was born 
November 9, 1960, in Waco to Raymond Rudolf and Lillian Francis Matus. 
He attended St. Mary's School, was a graduate of West High School, and 
also attended McLennan Community College.
  Jimmy started working at his family business, Westex Welding & Fire 
Apparatus, at a very young age. He continued to work there for the next 
40 years and spent the last 20 years managing all aspects of the 
business.
  Jimmy was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, 
the SPJST Lodge 54, Sokol West, where he served as past president, the 
State Fireman's Association, and was an honorary member of the Masonic 
Lodge in West. Jimmy also served on the West ISD School Board and 
played the role of Santa Claus for many organizations, including Sokol 
in the City of West.
  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gail Matus. He leaves 
to cherish his memory his parents, Raymond and Lillian Matus, of West; 
son, Dustin Matus and fiance, Becca Wright, of West; daughter, Jennifer 
Kalina and fiance, Brian Walker, of Lorena; two stepdaughters, Heather 
Roberson and Derek Barnes, both of Bosqueville, and Karry Dornak and 
husband, Jeff, of Spring; two sisters, Kathy Matus and Cindy Matus, 
both of West; brother, Thomas Matus, and wife, Ruth Ann, of Chalk 
Bluff; five great grandchildren; and numerous extended family and 
friends.
  Mr. Speaker, today we remember Joseph F. Pustejovsky, Jr. of West. He 
was born August 3, 1983, in Waco to Joseph Frank ``Joe'' Pustejovsky, 
Sr. and Carolyn Pustejovsky. He attended St. Mary's School, graduated 
from West High School, and also attended McClennan Community College.
  Since 2009, he had served as the city secretary for West. He had also 
worked for the Sears and Roebuck Company, and as a personal property 
appraiser for McLennan County Appraisal District.
  Joey liked to hunt, play golf and work in his yard and was an avid 
Texas A&M fan. He loved spending time with his children and his family. 
He also enjoyed being actively involved with his community, his church, 
and the fire department family.
  He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in 
West, where he started the youth ministry and was a director of the 
Catholic Brothers and Sisters United Youth Ministry for 2 years. He 
also served as a gift bearer and CCE teacher.
  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council Number 2305, 
and the Monsignor George 4th Degree Assembly 2391, also the West ACTS 
Men's Community, West ACTS Core, where he served as treasurer, the 
County Line Aggie Club, the West Fire Department, where he served as 
treasurer, and the National Rifle Association.
  He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeremy Pustejovsky, and 
grandparents, Frankie Kapavik, Sr., and Anton and Helen Pustejovsky. He 
leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of a year, Kelly 
Pustejovsky, of West; children, Parker, Beau, Kayla and Ashley, all of 
West; parents, Joe and Carolyn Pustejovsky, of West; grandmother, 
Teresa Compton and husband, Marcus, of Crawford; brother, Bradley 
Pustejovsky and wife, Dolores, of West; in-laws, Joe and Brenda 
Sebesta, of Waco, brother-in-law, David Sebesta, of Fort Worth; and 
numerous aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.
  Mr. Speaker, today we remember Captain Cyrus Adam Reed of Houston. He 
was born February 11, 1984, in Houston to Mark Andrew and Lucy Reed. He 
was a member of the Abbott Volunteer Fire Department, the Bynum 
Volunteer Fire Department, the West Ambulance Department, a former 
member of the Elm Mott Volunteer Fire Department. He was affiliated 
with the Community Volunteer Fire Department in Alief, and he was also 
an Eagle Scout in Troop 1110.
  Cyrus lived his life with an infectious smile, a giant heart, and a 
dedication to honor which he would not compromise.

[[Page 8326]]

  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles P. Reed and E. 
Miles II and Shirley Ann Brown; uncle, Edwin Miles Brown II; and uncle, 
Robert Zulko. He leaves to cherish his memory his grandmother, Martha 
J. Reed of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania; parents, Mark and Lucy Reed of 
Houston; sister, Sarah Reed and fiance, David Hobbs, of Houston; niece, 
Edith Cheyenne of Houston; brother, Bryce Reed and wife, Brittany; and 
their daughter, Finley, of West; three aunts, three uncles, 11 cousins, 
and many friends.
  Mr. Speaker, today we remember Kevin William Sanders. He was born 
October 13, 1979, outside of Chicago to Duane and Sandra Sanders. He 
grew up in Palos Hills, Illinois, and graduated from Marist High 
School. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign with a bachelor's degree in animal science and from Parkland 
College with a veterinary technician certification.
  Kevin truly believed in the strength and goodness of people. His 
passion in life was helping and caring for others. He held several 
registered veterinary technician positions in Champaign, Illinois; Fort 
Wayne, Indiana; Plainfield, Illinois; Waco, Texas; and Hewitt, Texas.
  Kevin always did as he thought was right and strove to be the best 
that he could be.

                              {time}  2040

  He taught at Fox College in Tinley Park, Illinois, and McLennan 
Community College in Waco, Texas, inspiring greatness in his students 
at each location. Kevin lived for the service of others through his 
participation in the Plainfield Emergency Management Agency in Illinois 
and the Bruceville-Eddy Volunteer Fire Department in Texas.
  Kevin loved caring for animals, working on cars, restoring his 1970 
Dodge Charger, listening to music and attending concerts, watching the 
Chicago Bears and the Fighting Illini, playing paintball and spending 
time with his family.
  He was preceded in death by his father, Duane Sanders. He leaves to 
cherish his memory his wife, Sarah Sanders; son, Reeve Sanders; mother, 
Sandra Sanders; maternal grandmother, Eleanore Frey; sister, Jeannette, 
and her husband, Tim White; brother, Scott, and his wife, Allison 
Sanders; and many friends and extended family.
  Mr. Speaker, today we remember Captain Douglas ``Doug'' James 
Snokhous of West. He was born January 1, 1963 in Hillsboro to Jimmy 
Rudolph and Louise Marie Snokhous. He attended St. Mary's School, was 
part of the West Boy Scouts and spent most of his childhood with his 
dad and uncles at the West Volunteer Fire Department. He played 
baseball and football for the West Trojans and graduated from West High 
School. After high school, he began his career at Central Texas Iron 
Works.
  Doug loved spending time with family, especially his 7-month old 
grandson, Hogan James. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, fishing, talking 
with friends and cooking barbecue. Doug's passion was volunteering with 
the West Volunteer Fire Department, alongside his brother, Robert.
  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Bob, died 
in the same accident that took Doug's life. He leaves to cherish his 
memory his wife of 13 years, Donna Snokhous of West; two daughters, 
Lauren and Laken Snokhous, both of West; grandson, Hogan James; 
stepsons, Steven Beseda and his wife, Maggie, of Eva Beach, Hawaii; and 
Paul Beseda and his wife, Amy, of West; stepdaughter DeAnna Reaves and 
her husband, Brandon, of Azle; three step-grandchildren; sister, Karen 
Hoelscher and her husband, Keith, of West; brother, Barry Snokhous and 
his wife, Sayoko, of Okinawa, Japan; sister-in-law, Alison Snokhous of 
West; along with nieces and nephews; a great-niece and great-nephew; 
numerous other relatives, and many friends.
  Mr. Speaker, today we remember Captain Robert ``Bob'' Louis Snokhous 
of West. He was born June 4, 1964, in Hillsboro to Jimmy Rudolph and 
Louise Marie Snokhous. He graduated from West High School and received 
an Associate Degree from Texas State Technical College in Waco. He was 
a project manager for Central Texas Iron Works in Waco and was on their 
emergency response team.
  Bob was a volunteer for the West Fire Department, where he held a 
passion for putting out fires. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic 
Church of the Assumption and the Knights of Columbus West Council No. 
2305. He loved hunting and outdoor barbecues.
  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Doug, died 
in the same accident that took Bob's life. He leaves to cherish his 
memory his beloved wife of 13 years, Alison Snokhous; son Robert 
``Bubba'' Snokhous, Jr., of Cape Coral, Florida; daughters Margee 
Snokhous of Cape Coral, Florida, and McKenzie Ryan of West; brother 
Barry Snokhous and wife, Sayoko, of Okinawa, Japan; sister, Karen 
Hoelscher and her husband, Keith, of Ross, Texas; two grandchildren, 
Kandence and Kameron Snokhous of Cape Coral; several nieces and 
nephews; a great-niece and great-nephew; and numerous other relatives 
and many friends.
  Mr. Speaker, today we remember William Ray ``Buck'' Uptmor, Jr., of 
Abbott. He was born April 11, 1968, in Waco, to Billy Ray Uptmor, Sr. 
and Beverly Ann Uptmor. He graduated from West High School, and went on 
to study air conditioning for 2 years at Hill Junior College. He also 
attended Texas State Technical Institute, where he studied auto body 
work. For over 25 years, he owned and operated Uptmor Welding and 
Construction. He built fences, barns and arenas, including designing 
and constructing the Hubbard Arena and Auction facility.
  Buck grew up loving the outdoors. He loved to camp, hunt, fish, ride 
horses and work cattle. He was an animal lover, and he was always 
picking up strays. He also loved watching his children's sporting 
events, coaching Little League, and supporting his daughter in barrel 
racing. He trained and jockeyed racehorses and was the drummer for the 
Billy Uptmor and the Makers band. Buck loved rodeo and rode saddle 
broncs, bareback broncs, and bulls. He also liked to grill, and he 
thought he was a great chef. He was also a member of St. Martin 
Catholic Church in Tours, the West Longhorn Club, where he served as 
director, Catholic Life, and SPJST Lodge 6 in Cottonwood.
  He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 13 years, Arcy 
Uptmor of Abbott; sons, Hunter and Trevor Uptmor, both of Abbott; 
daughter, Dusty Uptmor of Abbott; parents, Billy and Beverly Uptmor of 
Tours; grandmother, Agnes Middleton of Tours; brother, Brian Uptmor and 
his wife, Kris, of Tours; sister, Bethany Raines and her husband, Matt, 
of Tours; mother-in-law, Julia Silva of Pharr; and several nieces, 
nephews, other relatives and friends.
  Mr. Speaker, these 12 men paid the ultimate sacrifice while providing 
for the safety and security of the community of West. They all died 
doing what they loved to do, which was serving and protecting others. 
They will forever be remembered as heroes. Their selfless service is a 
model for the rest of us to follow.
  These men each exemplified the words of Jesus in John 15:13:
  Greater Love has no man than this: that he lay down his life for his 
friends.
  I am in awe of the outpouring of support for the West community from 
surrounding communities and indeed from people across this Nation and 
around the world. We are hopeful this great town will quickly and fully 
recover from this tragic event. All of the help that has been given and 
continues to come will certainly speed the recovery process. Tragedies 
such as this explosion remind us of how fragile life really is.
  I ask that everyone please remember to pray often for our country 
during these difficult times. Please pray for our military men and 
women who protect our country from threats abroad and for our first 
responders who protect us from threats here at home.
  Mr. Speaker, before I close this evening, I would like to recognize 
the West Veterans Honor Guard.
  Throughout the decade of the 1990s, due in part to the reduction of 
the

[[Page 8327]]

country's Active Duty military forces and coupled with the increasing 
number of World War II-era veterans reaching the ends of their lives, 
the Department of Defense was typically unable to provide graveside 
military honors to deceased veterans. In 1990, West VFW Post 4819 and 
its commander, Frank Podsednik, answered the call and selected fellow 
member Harry Lee Hykel to form and lead the West Veterans Honor Guard, 
whose mission has become ``Honoring Those Who Served.''
  The original group consisted of Squad Leader Captain Harry Lee Hykel, 
bugler Bob Fuller, Jim Garrett, Chaplain C.J. Hlavaty, Ernest Holecek, 
Claude King, Robert Kreid, Boyd Mangrum, Riflemen Frank Podsednik, 
Robert Podsednik, Alwood Scheler, and Color Bearers Gene Schutza and 
Ernest Zahirniak.
  The VFW Honor Guard was later joined by American Legion members to 
become the West Veterans Honor Guard. Additions and transitions to the 
squad include Color Bearer Ross ``BO'' Bohannon, Rob Buchanan, Chaplain 
Marvin Cepak, Michael Driscoll, Jerry Kadlubar, John Kostecka, Joe 
Laubert, William Karlik, Ronnie Matus, William Pavelka, Dan Pokluda, 
Riflemen Buddy Shields, Steve Soukup, Robert Sanislav, Chris Waters, 
Russell Willsey and Robert Zahirniak.
  In addition to rendering military honors at veterans' funerals, the 
honor guard participates in numerous civic functions and ceremonies 
throughout Central Texas, including leading and marching in Westfest 
Labor Day parade, providing a color honor guard, providing display of 
service flags and displaying the POW/MIA flag.
  Since its inception in 1990, the West Veterans Honor Guard has 
provided the longstanding military tradition of funeral honors, 
ceremonial elements of flag folding and presentation, playing ``Taps,'' 
providing rifle details, and providing color guards at over 430 
funerals.
  Mr. Speaker, tonight I honor the West Veterans Honor Guard for all 
that they have done for our great community.
  Mr. Speaker, on June 8, America lost Army Lieutenant Colonel Todd 
Clark in the war on terror.
  Lieutenant Colonel Todd Clark was a native of New York, and his 
father, Jack, was an Army Colonel. Todd was in the Junior ROTC while in 
high school, and upon graduation, attended Texas A&M University where 
he would join Company B-2 in the Corps of Cadets.

                              {time}  2050

  At the time of his tragic death, he was a brigade level advisor to 
the 10th Mountain Division. He would serve on five separate deployments 
in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
  During his 17 years of service to our country, Lieutenant Colonel 
Clark earned many awards and decorations. He earned three Bronze Star 
Medals, the Purple Heart, two Meritorious Service Medals, the Army 
Commendation with Combat Distinguishing Device ``V,'' four Army 
Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, the Army Reserve 
Components Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with 
Bronze Service Star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Kosova 
Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, two Afghanistan Campaign 
Medals with Bronze Service Star, four Iraq Campaign Medals with Bronze 
Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the 
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service 
Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, three Overseas Service Ribbons, the 
NATO Medal Kosova and the NATO Medal Combat Action Badge, and the Basic 
Parachuters Badge.
  At the conclusion of his current tour in Afghanistan, Lieutenant 
Colonel Clark's next assignment was going to bring him back to Texas as 
he was poised to become the executive officer, the second-in-command of 
the Reserve Officers Training Core at his alma mater, Texas A&M 
University.
  In the coming days, Lieutenant Colonel Todd Clark will be laid to 
rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in Texas. Our thoughts and 
prayers are with the family of Lieutenant Colonel Todd Clark. He will 
be forever remembered as an outstanding soldier, husband, and father. 
We thank him and his family for their service and sacrifice for our 
country. His sacrifice also reflects the words of Jesus in John 15:13: 
``Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for 
his friends.''
  God bless our military men and women, and God bless America.

                          ____________________