Pat Fallon

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Heather Bowers of Frisco, Texas, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Heather has faithfully dedicated herself to serving our community. Heather was born in Waco, Texas in 1977 and moved to Carrollton in 1980 where she resided until she married her husband, Jason. She graduated from the University of North Texas in 2002 with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree and then moved to Frisco in 2005 where she raised her two children, Macy and Caleb. Heather has been President of Lone Star Benefits since 2000, buying the agency 4 years ago and building a thriving employee benefits agency with her husband. Since her move to Frisco, she has been actively involved with numerous community and political organizations in North Texas. Heather's strength is not only due to her love of lifting weights, but also evidenced by her service to the city through roles on the boards of Frisco Community Development Corporation, Frisco Chamber of Commerce and Frisco Family Services. She is invested in our youth and schools as a District Improvement Committee and Mindbender Academy Committee member. Heather's philanthropic passion is notable, as her family and business support organizations such as National Breast Cancer Foundation, Community Council of Greater Dallas and Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic. I am proud to recognize Heather today for her outstanding efforts to support those in need and uplift those she works with. I'm confident she will continue to make a positive impact in our community for many years to come. It is an honor to bestow Heather with the Patriot Award for her exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Curtis Fendley of Paris, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. For over four decades, Curtis has served and uplifted our community through his leadership and dedication. Curtis was born and raised in Paris, TX. He graduated from Texas A&M University, where he received his BBA in Accounting and MBA in Finance. Curtis began his career as a Cost Accountant for Rockwall International and Uarco Business Forms. He worked his way up to become the Chief Financial Officer for Christus Health and Saint Joseph Hospital in Paris. Curtis currently serves as a Partner at Pierson & Fendley Insurance Agency and Vice Chair of the Paris Economic Development Corporation. Throughout his career, Curtis has continued to be an active member of our community in many ways. In 2003, he was elected to serve as the Mayor of Paris. For three years, Curtis oversaw Paris' successful economic development and business growth. Additionally, he previously served as the President of Lamar County Chamber of Commerce and United Way. For his outstanding work, Curtis was named a Hometown Hero in 2009 by The Independent Insurance Agents of Texas. The Lamar County Chamber of Commerce also recognized Curtis as Volunteer of the Year in 2016 and 2017. A devoted man of faith, Curtis attends Holy Cross Episcopal Church with his wife, Barbara. I am proud of Curtis's lifelong contributions to our community, and I wish him continued success for many years to come. It is an honor to bestow Curtis with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jackie King ``Jack'' Ashmore of Reno, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Jack has dedicated himself to faithfully serving out community and country. As a child, Jack was always fascinated with aviation and began flying at the age of 7 with his uncle. After graduating from Paris High School in 1947, Jack joined the United States Navy while enrolled at Paris Junior College. He began flight training in 1949 and graduated from aviation school the following year. Jack flew combat tours during the Korean War and was stationed onboard the USS Sicily and USS Rendova aircraft carriers in the Sea of Japan. During the Vietnam War, he became the commander of Attack Squadron 22 and flew 254 combat missions. For his heroic actions in combat, Jack received numerous awards, including the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, the Legion of Merit, fourteen Air Medals, and two Navy Commendation Medals. He later earned his master's degree in international affairs from George Washington University. In July 1973, Jack retired from the Navy as a Captain. He had been working for the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. In civilian life, Jack continued his passion of flying while volunteering in our community. He conducted flights for police departments, schools, and individuals in need across North Texas. Jack previously served on the advisory board for Paris Airport and the City of Reno. He is a current board member of the Paris Junior College Alumni & Friends Association. For his outstanding contributions, Jack was recognized in 2017 as a distinguished graduate of Paris High School and inducted into Paris Junior College's Academic Hall of Honor. He also received the Federal Aviation Administration's prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award to mark over 50 years of excellent flight. I wish Jack continued success and good health for many years to come. It is an honor to bestow Jack with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Devabrata Ganguly of Paris, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Dr. Ganguly has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community. Dr. Ganguly first trained as a physician in India, his country of birth, where he taught medicine in New Delhi. After moving to the United States with his wife, Dr. Ragini Ganguly, he completed his residency at St. Lukes Roosevelt Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Ganguly also attended the Jewish Parker Institute of Long Island Jewish Hospital for fellowship training in Geriatric Medicine. In 1999, Dr. Ganguly and his family moved to Texas, where he became an active practitioner based in Paris. Throughout his career, Dr. Ganguly has worked diligently to raise awareness about the opioid crisis and help others reduce their dependence on opioids. Moreover, he led his team of dedicated nurse practitioners to care for elderly patients in nursing homes during the pandemic. Separately, Dr. Ganguly mentors and teaches college students, trainee physicians, and nurses using a combination of traditional and modern medicine. He is passionate about community advocacy and often engages with policymakers to discuss the issues of national security, international and domestic policy, and healthcare issues. As a fellow of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Ganguly promotes community wellbeing and works with numerous charities to support children, veterans, and animals. I am pleased to recognize Dr. Ganguly for his outstanding efforts to provide quality care for senior citizens and improve the world around us. It is an honor to bestow Dr. Ganguly with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Brian White of Frisco, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Brian has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country. Brian was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and attended Del City High School. He served in the United States Army from 1982 to 1991 as a Howitzer Section Chief and Field Artillery Instructor. After leaving the Army, Brian obtained his Journeyman Plumbing and Gas Fitting license. He later began a 20-year career auditing and risk management at several large financial institutions, where he held leadership positions. In 2021, Brian received his bachelor's degree in applied management from Grand Canyon University. He is certified as an Internal Control Auditor and currently works as a Regulatory Compliance and Operational Risk consultant at Forvis Mazars USA, a top 10 accounting firm. Alongside his professional career, Brian serves as the Director of Family Outreach for Memories of Honor, a nonprofit organization devoted to honoring fallen veterans and supporting Gold Star families. Brian works closely with several nonprofits, including the Frontline Healing Foundation, Warrior's Heart, and the One Tribe Foundation, to support veteran communities. In addition, he served as a running coach for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation for many years to raise awareness and funds to help tackle these diseases. I am proud of the work Brian has accomplished for our community, and I wish him continued success for many years to come. It is an honor to bestow Brian with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Drusilla ``Dru'' Wade Newman of Frisco, Texas, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Dru has dedicated herself to faithfully serving our community. Dru is a fourth-generation resident of Frisco and graduated from Frisco High School in 1974. She earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education from Baylor University in 1978. For over 45 years, Dru has been a fantastic community leader and passionate advocate for youth education. She worked closely with the Frisco Education Foundation to help provide students with scholarships. Furthermore, Dru mentored young adults at her church while being involved in local parent-teacher associations and booster clubs. In addition to her work on education, Dru has continued to be involved in charitable efforts in Frisco to help families in need. She participated in mission trips around the world to support humanitarian efforts and share her faith. Dru also worked with the Frisco Heritage Association to organize and fundraise for their annual Heritage Days event, which highlights the beauty and rich history of the city. She has a servant's heart, and her generosity and kindness has not gone unnoticed by those around her. In her free time, Dru is an avid sports fan, and she enjoys cheering for the Baylor Bears. Along with her husband Jim, she attends Frisco First Baptist Church. I am proud of the work Dru has accomplished for our community, and I wish her continued success for many years to come. It is an honor to bestow Dru with the Patriot Award for her exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jim Randell Newman of Frisco, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Jim has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community. A fifth-generation resident of Frisco, Jim attended Frisco High School and graduated in 1975. Two years later, he graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural economics. In 1978, Jim married the love of his life, Dru, and they raised two children. That same year, he established Newman Real Estate to manage property developments around Frisco and became a certified Property Tax Consultant shortly after. For nearly five decades, Jim has worked diligently to support the youth in our community and empower them to be successful. He firmly believes that our Nation's children is our greatest asset, and he has made good on his promise to ensure they receive positive guidance in life. Jim has mentored high school students while working with school bands, sports clubs, and school bond programs Furthermore, Jim is passionate about community service and the conservation of nature. He was a member of the North American Mission Board, the Texas Mission Foundation, and Christian Hands in Action to help provide disaster relief and humanitarian aid for families in need. Jim also served as a dedicated RA director at Frisco First Baptist Church for many years. For his outstanding work in community and business development, Jim was presented with the Micro Business Award, the Small Business Award, and the Developer of the Year Award by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. In his free time, he is a devoted outdoorsman and enjoys hunting and fishing. I am proud of Jim's contributions to our community, and I am sure he will continue to make a positive impact on the world around us. It is an honor to bestow Jim with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Turner Industries' pipe fabrication facility in Paris, Texas. Turner Industries specializes in innovative industrial contracting to fully meet client needs while prioritizing safety, efficiency, and reliability. Turner Industries was first established in 1961 by Bert Turner, a young engineer with an entrepreneurial vision. Over the years, it has expanded its presence along the Gulf Coast and offered additional services, including construction, transportation, maintenance, and steel fabrication. In 1998, Turner opened its state-of-the-art pipe fabrication facility in Paris with over 375 acres of space. Each pipe assembled here is precision-built to support power generation facilities, refineries, and petrochemical plants across the nation. For its outstanding work, Turner Industries has been recognized as the number one industrial contractor in the Associated Builders and Contractors' Top 250 Contractors list. It has also been honored by the Construction Users Roundtable and presented with the prestigious Construction Industry Safety Excellence Award three times for its commitment to employee safety. In addition to serving as a critical energy backbone for our nation, Turner employs over 20,000 hardworking professionals across its facilities. It has invested in a new Operations Building at its Paris facility, which will greatly contribute to the North Texas workforce and community. I would like to especially recognize Mr. Chris Bailey, who serves as the Plant Manager and Vice President for Turner's Paris operations. Mr. Bailey has dedicated himself to building and supporting educational programs in the North Texas community. I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize this historic occasion and investment for the people of District 4. Congratulations to Tuner Industries, and I wish them the best.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge Brandon Bell of Paris, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Judge Bell has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community. Judge Bell is a seventh generation Texan who was born in Paris, Texas. In 1999, he graduated from Texas A&M University at Commerce with a Bachelor of Professional Accountancy. Judge Bell later received his Juris Doctor from SMU Dedman School of Law in 2004. He initially clerked for Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater, the chief U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Texas, before being admitted to the Texas State Bar in November 2004. Judge Bell is licensed as an attorney and Certified Public Accountant. He began his lengthy legal career at Boyd Veigel and specializes in family law, criminal defense, and tax law. In 2019, Judge Bell was elected as Lamar County Judge. In addition to presiding over criminal and civil matters, he is passionate about granting foster parents the opportunity to become the legal guardians for disabled children. Separately, Judge Bell is involved in numerous charitable initiatives. He previously served on the board of the New Hope Center of Paris and coaches Dixie Youth Baseball in his free time. He is also a member of the Roan Oak Masonic Lodge and the Dallas Scottish Rite. Judge Bell is a devoted man of faith, and he attends South Side Baptist Church with his wife, Amanda, and his two children. I commend Judge Bell for his lifelong commitment to serving our community and empowering foster families. His efforts have helped many underprivileged children find a caring and loving home. It is an honor to bestow Judge Bell with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Peter Burns of Frisco, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Peter has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country. Peter was born in 1960 in Kingston, Jamaica. At a young age, his family moved to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, New York. In October 1978, Peter enlisted into the United States Army Signal Corps, where he served in various leadership roles. His service took him around the world, including South Korea, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia. In 1999, Peter retired from the Army and joined the telecommunications industry. He obtained his Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and completed the Entrepreneurial Development program at the University of Texas at Dallas. In 2020, Peter founded The Bridge Delivery Service, which works closely with Amazon Logistics to ensure the timely delivery of packages for North Texas residents. At the same time, Peter is actively involved in numerous charitable and educational initiatives to benefit our community. He is a board member for the Frisco Education Foundation, Junior Achievement of Dallas, and Be In Health Foundation, where he leads efforts to improve youth entrepreneurship and provide scholarships for students in need. Peter is also a devoted man of faith, and he is the Youth Director at Friendship Baptist Church of The Colony. For his outstanding work, Peter was recognized as Citizen of the Year in 2014 by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce and named 2017 Person of the Year by Frisco Style Magazine. In addition, he was named as Frisco's Distinguished Veteran of the Year in 2019 and received the prestigious Congressional Veteran Commendation. I am proud of the work Peter has accomplished, and I wish him continued success for many years to come. It is an honor to bestow Peter with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mrs. Betty Jo Cook Williams of Texarkana, Texas, who peacefully passed away on May 12, 2024 with her family by her side. Mrs. Williams was born on December 20, 1943, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. She spent most of her childhood on a small family farm in Henderson County, Texas, where she developed a passion for horticulture, conservation, and self-reliance. Mrs. Williams graduated with honors from East Texas State University with a bachelor's degree in art and a master's degree in education. It was during this time that she met her husband of 58 years, Doug. Afterwards, Mrs. Williams began her career as a schoolteacher at Texarkana Independent School District, where she taught for 33 years. She participated in professional development workshops and trained with the Hatton W. Sumner Institute to improve her understanding of individual freedom and civic responsibility. Throughout the years, Mrs. Williams was recognized as a distinguished educator who strived to make a difference in students' lives. After retiring from TISD, Mrs. Williams stayed in touch with Highland Park Elementary School and volunteered to help train new teachers. She was a board member of the Bowie and Miller County Literacy Council and a treasurer for the Texas Classroom Teachers' Association. For her outstanding work, the TCTA selected Mrs. Williams as the ``Retired Teacher of the Year'' in 2003. She also served as an election judge for Bowie County for over twenty years and attended numerous GOP conventions statewide as a delegate. I am saddened to hear of Mrs. Williams' passing. Her legacy of dedication, public service, and family values will be remembered for many years to come. I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to honor Mrs. Williams' wonderful life. She will be dearly missed by her friends, family, and all who knew her.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Mr. Brian ``Mac'' William McCormick of Colleyville, Texas, who peacefully passed away on April 15, 2024. Mr. McCormick was born on June 8, 1942, in Oneida, New York, to Aaron and Berniece McCormick. After graduating from Norwich High School, he attended Powelson Business School in Syracuse to study accounting. In 1966, Mr. McCormick was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Although he could have denied the draft due to his younger brother already having enlisted, he nevertheless heeded the call to serve his country. During basic training in Fort Riley, Kansas, Mr. McCormick was assigned to the 9th Infantry Division, which was known as the ``Old Reliables''. In Vietnam, he served as a forward observer on an armored personnel carrier and performed numerous search and destroy missions in the Mekong Delta. For his exemplary service, Mr. McCormick received several awards, including the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. After returning home in 1968, Mr. McCormick was waiting to be processed out in Fort Meade, Maryland, during the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. This led to riots and civil unrest across the country, and he was temporarily called back to service to patrol the streets of Washington, D.C. In civilian life, Mr. McCormick remained active with his American Legion Post and volunteered in his community. He also helped organize company reunions and spoke at these events, in which he was recognized for his outstanding work and community service. Mr. McCormick was a loving father whose selfless service and compassion will be remembered for many years to come. I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to honor Mr. McCormick's extraordinary life and service to our Nation. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bryan McNeal of Rockwall, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Bryan has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country. Bryan was born in Dallas, Texas, and grew up near White Rock Lake. His passion for sports and leading his team to victory inspired him to pursue an opportunity to serve our country. After attending college for one year, Bryan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1991. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune, where he helped develop a program to track the status of military investigations and court martials. In recognition of his important work and efforts, Bryan was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal. Moreover, Bryan served as a volunteer firefighter in Hubert, North Carolina. During this time, he helped save a family from a house fire and assisted the North Carolina Forest Service in protecting a neighborhood from wildfire. As a result, Bryan became one of the first Marines to receive the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for his dedication to service beyond the Marine Corps. When he retired from the Marines as a Gunnery Sergeant, Bryan continued to be an active member of our community. He helped raised over $500,000 for veterans' causes to help disabled veterans purchase prosthetics. With his help, one disabled Marine was even able to complete a 5k run with a new pair of motorized legs. Additionally, Bryan served as the Toys for Tots Coordinator for the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where he led efforts to provide gifts to underprivileged children during the holiday season. I am proud of the work Bryan has accomplished, and I am certain he will continue to make a positive impact on our community for many years to come. It is an honor to bestow Bryan with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Chris Dorward of Rockwall, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Chris has dedicated himself to faithfully serving and protecting our community and country. From 2000 to 2004, Chris served in the United States Marine Corps as a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Specialist and deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Along with his unit, Chris received the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action. Upon returning home, he joined the Dallas Police Department and served with its Narcotics Division as a detective. During the execution of a search warrant, Chris stepped into the line of fire to suppress an assailant and protect two fallen detectives until they could be extracted. For his outstanding actions, he was awarded the Medal of Valor, one of the highest awards a police officer can receive. In 2016, Chris began a career in real estate with a focus on his clients and helping fellow agents succeed. In his first year, he was named the Keller Williams Rookie of the Year for his exceptional performance and has continued to be a Top Producer. In addition to his real estate career, Chris is passionate about helping fellow veterans with PTSD and undiagnosed traumatic brain injuries. He co-founded the Texas Valor Project, a nonprofit that works to fund treatments for veterans and first responders who are affected by TBI. In only two years, it raised over $500,000 to support the men and women who served our country. I am proud of the work Chris has accomplished, and I am sure he will continue to make a positive impact on our community for many years to come. It is an honor to bestow Chris with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Charles ``Jeff'' Skinner, Jr., of Rockwall, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Jeff has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country. Jeff was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1981. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1999, where he served as a Field Radio Operator during the Global War on Terrorism. Along with his unit, Jeff was involved in numerous successful combat missions. Most notably, he participated in the longest amphibious airfield seizure in Marine Corps history at Camp Rhino, Afghanistan, and was one of the first Marines to enter Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. For his service, Jeff received numerous awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two bronze campaign stars, and Iraq Campaign Medal with two bronze stars. In September 2003, Jeff was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps. He currently operates Black Level AV, a small business that specializes in delivering elite audio and visual technology for North Texans. Jeff is also actively involved in our community and is passionate about youth mentorship. He currently serves as the Public Affairs Officer for the CWO2 James Randolph Marine Corps League and is the Public Relations Officer for the Lake Ray Hubbard Young Marines. Jeff also led the charge to bring Toys for Tots to Rockwall and is involved with the Youth Leadership Symposium. As such, the Marine Corps League has recognized him as Marine of the Year for his contributions to the League and our community. I am proud of the work Jeff has accomplished, and I am sure he will continue to make a positive impact on the world around us for many years to come. It is an honor to bestow Jeff with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Bob Amick of Rockwall, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Bob has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country. Bob was born on August 21, 1939, in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia. He attended Gordon Military College and graduated from Marshall University with a BBA in banking and finance. Afterwards, Bob commissioned into the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he served as the Commander of the Special Forces A Detachment and a company of Army Patrol Boats. He was also the Military Police Battalion Commander at Fort McClellan and held numerous leadership positions. For his outstanding service, Bob received numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with ``V'' Device with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and two Gallantry Crosses with Palm from the former South Vietnamese government. After he retired from the military in 1984, Bob served as the Director of Security, Director of Ethics, and Director of Plant Management for Raytheon for many years. In September 1999, Bob co- founded ComCept and served as its Vice President of Operations until his retirement in 2002. Along with his beloved wife Sandy, he co- founded Band of Brothers, Sisters, & Friends to support veterans and their families. The group currently has over 290 team members who are committed to uplifting the men and women who served our country. Bob credits much of his success and guidance in life to Sandy. Together, they raised two wonderful children and have one grandchild. I am proud to call Bob a good friend of mine, and I am sure he will continue to make a positive impact on our community for many years to come. It is an honor to bestow Bob with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. Russell Lee Green of Savoy, Texas, who peacefully passed away on March 30, 2024. Mr. Green was born on November 18, 1941, to Norris J. Green and Fairy Faye Green. As a young man, he wanted to serve his country and contribute to a greater cause. Mr. Green joined the United States Navy, where he attended radar school and specialized in operating sophisticated electronic equipment. After serving in the Navy, he attended the University of North Texas, where he met his beloved wife, Denise. They married in 1966 after completing their freshman year. Together, they purchased land outside of Ector and built a house. For most of his professional career, Mr. Green worked in management positions for Texas Instruments in its Government Products Division and other electronic manufacturing companies in the Dallas area. Mr. Green was a devoted man of faith. He attended the Church of Christ in Savoy, where he led many Bible studies and served as a lay preacher. In his free time, Mr. Green was passionate about conservative politics, raising honeybees, and taking care of his Limousin cattle. He was a gardener, and he worked with Denise to grow fruits and vegetables for his family and community. Moreover, Mr. Green enjoyed camping, travelling, and most importantly, fishing. He has requested his ashes to be scattered on his favorite fishing pond. I am saddened to hear of Mr. Green's passing, as his kindness and generosity truly made the world a brighter place. I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to honor Mr. Green's wonderful life. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Quint Avenetti, of Rockwall, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Quint has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country. Quint was born in Hayden, Arizona, in 1962. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1980 and participated in active service for nearly three decades. From providing security to several U.S. Embassies around the world to being deployed during the Gulf War and Global War on Terrorism, Quint served with distinction and merit. He specialized in Joint Targeting, Geodesy, Counterfire Radar, Artillery Operations, and Fire Support. As a result of his exceptional leadership and expertise, Quint achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5. After retiring from the military in March 2008, Quint moved to Rockwall with his family. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Combat Systems Sector for Navmar Applied Science Corp. In this role, Quint works diligently to train the next generation of Marine Joint Fire Observers, enhance security at diplomatic locations for the State Department, and develop unmanned aircraft technology. In addition to his work in protecting our national security, he serves on the Advisory Board for Veterans Mortgage of America to help veterans succeed in home ownership. Quint is the Commandant of the CWO2 James Randolph Detachment of the Marine Corps League and is involved with many veterans' advocacy organizations. He also serves as a mentor to Eagle Scouts and was the previous Scoutmaster of Rockwall Troop 989. I am proud of Quint's contributions to our community, and I am sure he will continue to make a positive impact on the world around us for many years to come. It is an honor to bestow Quint with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Mark Kipphut of McLendon-Chisholm, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Mark has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country. After graduating from The Citadel with a political science degree in May 1979, Mark commissioned into the United States Air Force. He served as a Command Intelligence Officer during the Gulf War and Global War on Terrorism for many years. In his last assignment, Mark became the Director of Intelligence for the Pacific Air Forces at Hickam Air Force Base. He later received a master's degree in management from Embry- Riddle University. When he retired from the military as a Colonel, Mark served as the Director of Strategy for Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Arizona. In 2010, he and his family moved to Texas, where he became the Program Director of Tactical Intelligence Systems for Raytheon. In this role, Mark oversaw hundreds of millions of dollars in annual sales and government contracting. He currently works as a Senior Advisor for BCE Consulting, in which he focuses on enhancing our operational capabilities to defend against cyber and unmanned threats. In addition to protecting our national security, Mark is passionate about giving back to his community and supporting our veterans. He is the Commander of the Rockwall Terry Fisher American Legion Post, where he created college scholarships for the children of veterans. Moreover, Mark organizes annual trips for students to attend the Youth Leadership Conferences. I am proud of Mark's contributions to our community, and I am sure he will continue to make a positive impact on the world around us for many years to come. It is an honor to bestow Mark with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Shannan Sorrell of Highland Village, Texas, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Shannan served as my Chief of Staff, and she has dedicated herself to faithfully serving our community. Shannan was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and grew up in San Diego, California. She graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor's degree in public relations, where she played college volleyball. Shannan later earned her master's degree in public policy from San Diego State University. She began her professional career as a staff assistant for her local health and human services department and worked her way up to become the Chief of Staff for the County of San Diego. In July 1996, Shannan married the love of her life, Greg. Together, they raised two wonderful kids, Haley and Cade. For over 25 years, Shannan worked in politics and helped fundraise for campaigns, elect candidates, and encourage community members to be more involved in the political process. She served as the Executive Director for the Denton County Republican Party while teaching American Government at North Central Texas College. From 2014 to 2021, Shannan served as my Chief of Staff during my tenure in the Texas House and Senate. I witnessed firsthand her hard work and commitment to serve all Texans. As such, I asked Shannan to continue her public service under my leadership when I was first elected to Congress. Thankfully, she accepted, and I couldn't have made a better decision. Shannan has been a fantastic leader who is passionate about civic engagement, community service, and delivering results for the people of Texas's 4th congressional district. In her free time, she enjoys long distance running and traveling to Cabo San Lucas and Catalina Island. I know Shannan will continue to make a positive impact on the world around us, and I wish her all the best. It is an honor to bestow Shannan with the Patriot Award for her exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. LaTurner), my good friend, for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7525, the Special District Grant Accessibility Act, introduced by myself and my colleague, Representative Pettersen, from the Centennial State of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, special districts are a type of local government authorized by State law, which deliver specialized services to specific communities that would otherwise not be provided. In rural areas, for instance, special districts may provide fire protection, mosquito control, ambulatory services, et cetera. Special districts also occur in urban areas and can provide airport, road, and transit services. According to the National Special Districts Coalition, as my colleague from Kansas (Mr. LaTurner) said, there are about 35,000 special districts in the country, and they are in every State. In Texas, we have over 3,300 special districts providing all manner of government goods and services. Yet, as these lesser-known units of government, special districts have struggled to consistently access Federal financial assistance. H.R. 7525 would remedy that and would emphasize that special districts are units of local government and are, therefore, eligible for Federal financial assistance by establishing a definition in law for special districts and requiring the Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance to Federal agencies, as well as grant-issuing agencies. This bill also requires an OMB report to Congress on the agency's implementation and conformity to the guidance. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Pettersen and the bipartisan coalition of Members who cosponsored this bill, and I encourage a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Frank ``Teddy'' Peinado of Aubrey, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Teddy is a true American patriot who has dedicated himself to serving and uplifting our community. Since he was young, Teddy held a strong passion for military history. He attended Texas A&M University as a member of its prestigious Corps of Cadets. Teddy graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor's degree in construction science and later earned his master's degree in construction management. For over 30 years, he worked in the building industry and supervised the construction of over 11 million square feet of office space. In 2010, Teddy founded Peinado Construction, the largest industrial contractor in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with offices in Houston, College Station, and San Antonio. Peinado Construction specializes in industrial, data center, and office construction projects to deliver stellar results for clients. For his outstanding work and entrepreneurship, Teddy received Texas A&M's Aggie 100 award in 2017 and 2018. He was recognized as the 2017 Hispanic Businessman of the Year by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and serves on the board of the United States Hispanic Business Council. Additionally, Teddy is a passionate advocate for education. He established the Teddy Peinado Endowed Scholarship in Commercial Construction and the Peinado Industrial Tilt-Wall Construction Endowed Scholarship for Texas A&M students. As a strong supporter of our nation's veterans and first responders, Teddy actively works with Carry the Load, Helicopters for Heroes, 22 Kill, and Sons of the Flag. I am proud of the work he has accomplished for our community, and I wish him continued success for many years to come. It is an honor to bestow Teddy with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Gail Utter of Sherman, Texas, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Gail has over 30 years of experience in the investment industry and has dedicated herself to serving and uplifting our community. Gail spent most of her childhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University. She later received a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Texas and became certified as a Private Wealth Advisor and Chartered Retirement Plan Counselor. In 2001, Gail established the very successful Utter Wealth Management of Wells Fargo Advisors. Over the years, she has provided stellar investment results for clients and earned numerous awards and recognitions for her work. Gail was named a Platinum Council Advisor Diamond level advisor, Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor, and Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State. Additionally, she has been listed in Barron's Top 1200 State by State Advisor for eleven consecutive years, beginning in 2012. On top of delivering for her clients, Gail serves in several leadership roles with the Austin College Board of Trustees, the Sherman Economic Development Corporation, SMU Perkins School of Theology, and many more. She is a frequent keynote speaker and supporter of beneficial community initiatives throughout North Texas. In her free time, Gail enjoys spending time with her family, taking care of her dogs, and strengthening her faith. I am proud of the outstanding work she has accomplished for our community. I wish her continued success for many years to come. It is an honor to bestow Gail with the Patriot Award for her exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Thomas Leiser of Dallas, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Thomas has dedicated himself to serving and uplifting our community. In 1974, Thomas graduated from Indiana University and earned his Juris Doctor from Indiana University School of Law four years later. He began his career as a clerk and bailiff for Marion County Criminal Courts before being selected to serve as a Deputy Prosecutor. In 1982, Thomas stepped into the real estate industry and worked as an investment advisor for Leiser Real Estate Advisory in New York City. After a brief moment serving as an associate business law professor, he began working for the Trammell Crow Company in Dallas and rose up its ranks to become its Senior Managing Director. With plenty of experience in the commercial real estate market, Thomas co-founded Bandera Ventures in 2003. Since then, his agency has completed over a hundred real estate projects throughout the United States worth nearly $3 billion dollars. Currently, Thomas is working on a billion-dollar project to construct a data center. Separately, Thomas has supported numerous humanitarian initiatives around the world. He worked closely with the Agape Manna nonprofit to develop a bakery to provide orphaned children in North Korea with food. Thomas also supported efforts to help North Koreans seek freedom from the Communist regime and begin a new chapter in life in South Korea. He is the co-founder of Crosswater Ministries, which supports Mission activities for the Highland Park Presbyterian Church to deliver food and medical supplies to Cuban families. I am proud of the outstanding work Thomas has accomplished for our community and those in need. I wish him continued success for many years to come. It is an honor to bestow Thomas with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Esther Brumit of Denison, Texas, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Esther has dedicated herself to serving and uplifting our community. Esther was born in Los Alamos, New Mexico, in 1952. She attended Oral Roberts University and the University of Texas Medical Branch, where she specialized in healthcare. After graduation, Esther worked as a physician assistant at Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City and cared for at-risk and underprivileged children. She later taught orchestra in private and public schools, where she always ended her concerts with ``God Bless America''. She is passionate about Israel and Judeo- Christian values, which spurred her to organize trips for students to travel to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. so they could learn more about their heritage. Esther was later asked to serve as an election clerk and judge, which she gladly accepted. She attended her first national convention in New York as a volunteer for President George H.W. Bush's second term. From that moment on, Esther attended all state and national conventions as part of the Republican delegation. Her favorite part of the conventions were the national anthem opening and prayer services. Esther also served as a Precinct Chair and participated in door knocking and phone banking to mobilize Texans to participate in elections. Esther is a true American patriot, and I wish her continued success for many years to come. It is an honor to bestow Esther with the Patriot Award for her exceptional service to the people of North Texas.