[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16339]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO MASTER SERGEANT JIM TORRES, U.S. AIR FORCE, RETIRED

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 21, 2015

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Master 
Sergeant Jim Torres, U.S. Air Force, Retired for his 23 years of 
dedication, loyalty, and honorable service to our great nation and his 
continued outstanding community involvement. His has been a life lived 
in devoted service to others.
  MSgt Torres served 3 tours in Vietnam, all as a volunteer. For his 
selfless service to our country, he was awarded the Bronze Star, the 
Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of 
Gallantry for heroic combat action among other awards.
  Upon retirement, MSgt Torres continues to serve his fellow veterans 
in Round Rock, Texas in countless ways. He serves in an involved role 
in El Amistad, an organization dedicated to helping high school seniors 
go to college or trade school. MSgt Torres has long been a volunteer at 
the VA hospital in Kerrville where he takes on an active role reaching 
out to patients. Known locally as a ``one man veteran's help line'' he 
engages in conversations with veterans to hear their story and help 
with any problem they might be having. MSgt Torres' service doesn't 
simply stop at conversations with his fellow veterans; he also 
volunteers at the local Round Rock Veteran's thrift store where 
proceeds go to help Central Texas veterans. He is beloved by the 
community for these selfless actions.
  MSgt Torres is a quiet hero who takes on community tasks for his 
fellow man to seek and ensure that local veterans receive the 
recognition they deserve. I commend him for his selfless service to the 
United States Air Force and especially to his community. He has been a 
shining example and direct reflection of the very best values of our 
nation by his acts of patriotism, citizenship, and commitment to 
service. I wish him and his family all the best in the future.

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