Pete Sessions

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Donald ``Don'' R. Schreiber of Waco, Texas, with a 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation. Don's distinguished career in the United States Air Force, years of service to fellow veterans and the Waco community, and lifelong commitment to our Nation exemplify the character, leadership, and dedication worthy of this recognition. Born in Seattle, Washington, and raised on Whidbey Island by a devoted mother after the early loss of Don's father, Don attended Washington State University and joined Air Force ROTC. Encouraged by a trainer who noted that Don had the best eyesight of all the applicants, Don pursued a pilot slot and excelled in every screening. Don was commissioned in 1964 and completed pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma, beginning a distinguished 28-year career that culminated in Don's attaining the rank of Colonel. Don's military service included some of the most demanding assignments of his generation. After flying the RF-4C reconnaissance jet across Europe from RAF Alconbury in England, Don volunteered for Vietnam. From 1967 to 1968, Don flew 100 combat missions over North Vietnam from Udorn, Thailand, as part of one of the youngest aircrews in Southeast Asia. On November 19, 1967, Don flew a low-level reconnaissance mission over Hanoi through heavy surface-to-air missile fire, earning the Silver Star. Don later flew the KC-135 tanker and the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft, supporting intelligence missions around the world during the Cold War. Throughout his career, Don held significant leadership positions, including commanding the U-2 detachment at Osan Air Base in Korea, serving as Deputy Director of the Strategic Air Command Reconnaissance Center, commanding the U-2, SR-71, and T-38 training squadron at Beale Air Force Base in California, and serving as Vice Wing Commander and then Wing Commander at Beale. Don continued to distinguish through advanced military education and professional achievement. Don attended the Air Force Command and Staff College and earned a master's degree from Troy State University, later completing Air War College. Don also served as a staff officer with the Air Force Technical Applications Center, focusing on airborne nuclear detection systems. Don's extraordinary military service was recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with sixteen Oak Leaf Clusters, and other unit and service commendations. In 1989, Don became the commander of Air Force ROTC at Baylor University and retired from the Air Force in 1992 after 28 years of service. Don's commitment to service did not end with military retirement. Don went on to a second career as a professor in the Marketing and Management Department of Baylor University's business school, teaching for 26 years before retiring in 2016. In this role, Don found fulfillment in preparing generations of young Americans for professional success, continuing the leadership and service that had defined Don's military career. Don's family has been central to this life of service. Married since December 1968, Don and his wife raised three daughters, Laura, Kirsten, and Erin, through many moves and long deployments. All three daughters graduated from Baylor University, and together Don and his wife are now proud grandparents of thirteen grandchildren. Don's family exemplifies the sacrifice and strength of the military families who stand behind every servicemember. Don has also devoted more than three decades to the local community and fellow veterans. Since arriving in Waco in 1989, Don has served as a past President of the Military Officers Association of America, a past Flight Captain of the Daedalian Society, and a past President of the Baylor Bear Foundation. Don helped organize the third Red River Rats convention and serves as a member and usher of First United Methodist Church. Don's commitment to service has been reflected in countless volunteer roles that have strengthened Central Texas. Don's life is ultimately defined not simply by the honors received, but by the way he has continued to lead, mentor, and serve others. From distinguished service as an Air Force aviator and combat veteran to years of teaching, volunteering, and supporting fellow veterans, Don has demonstrated an unwavering sense of duty and devotion to country. It is this extraordinary record of military service, leadership, teaching, volunteerism, and continued commitment to fellow Americans that I proudly commend Colonel Donald R. ``Don'' Schreiber of Waco, Texas to friends, family, community, and country. It is my honor to recognize Don with the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel William Kermit Brock of Waco, Texas, with a 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation. William's distinguished 33-year career as a chaplain in the United States Army and Army Reserve, years of service to fellow veterans and the Waco community, and lifelong commitment to the next generation exemplify the character, leadership, and dedication worthy of this recognition. Born in Darke County, Ohio, and raised in northern Indiana as the youngest of five brothers in a farm family, William graduated from a small high school with a class of only fourteen students. Two of William's older brothers were drafted into the Navy during World War II, so military service was part of his family long before it became his own. William attended Indiana Central College, now the University of Indianapolis, and then United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. When a fellow seminary student invited William to fill out the paperwork for the Army chaplaincy, his application was approved, and he was commissioned on September 4, 1958. After serving a church in northern Indiana for two years, William came on active duty in 1961 as the Berlin crisis led the Army to expand its chaplain program. William's service took him across the country and around the world. William began at Fort Riley, Kansas, with the 1st Infantry Division, and then served in Germany, with rotations to Wildflecken and Berlin in the years just after the Berlin Wall went up. In Berlin, William counseled soldiers, led Sunday school and youth programs, and visited the stockade each week to show films to the prisoners. William later served with an air defense missile battalion in Giessen, Germany, then at Fort Carson, Colorado, and in Korea as the support command chaplain. At Fort Myer, Virginia, William conducted funerals at Arlington National Cemetery every weekday, more than 580 in all, standing with families on some of the hardest days of their lives. In 1972 and 1973, William served in Vietnam as the senior chaplain for Military Region Three. As other chaplains left the country, William became the only chaplain covering roughly one-fourth of the land area of Vietnam, traveling by helicopter on weekends to reach small outposts where soldiers had no one else to turn to. William led the memorial service for a fellow service member, William Nolde, who is remembered in the history books as the last American casualty of the Vietnam War. When the peace agreement was signed in January 1973, William was among the last Americans to leave, and he believes he was the last chaplain to depart the region. After Vietnam, William served as the only chaplain at Savanna Army Depot in Illinois and later ministered to soldiers at sixteen Nike Hercules missile sites and a Pershing missile site in Germany. Following active duty, William continued to serve in the Army Reserve, including as group chaplain for a Civil Affairs unit with subordinate units across Texas and Missouri. William retired in 1991 as a Colonel after 33 years of service. William's commitment to service did not end with the uniform. William went on to a career as a chaplain with the Department of Veterans Affairs, spending four years in Miami, Florida, before moving to Waco, Texas. In Waco, William worked alongside counselors in the early days of the post-traumatic stress program, helping veterans, many of them Vietnam veterans, work through guilt and grief at a time when the Nation was only beginning to understand what they carried home. William has also given generously to the community through talents learned during military service. William learned to perform magic tricks and to play the bagpipes, and he continued to share both long after retirement, performing at funerals, parades, and other occasions. William served as a Scoutmaster with Scouting America, and as a past commander of the Military Order of the World Wars, he has sponsored students in the organization's leadership training program, investing in the young leaders who will carry our country forward. William's family has been central to his life of service. William and his wife, Evelyn, raised two daughters, Karen and Cheryl, through many moves and assignments at home and abroad. Their family exemplifies the sacrifice and strength of the military families who stand behind every servicemember. William's life is ultimately defined not simply by the honors received, but by the way he has continued to serve, mentor, and comfort others. Asked what young people should take from his story, William spoke with humility of the camaraderie of fellow chaplains and encouraged young Americans not to fear military service. From the front lines of the Cold War and Vietnam to the graveside and the hospital ward, William has demonstrated an unwavering sense of duty and devotion to country. It is this extraordinary record of military service, ministry, mentorship, and volunteerism that I proudly commend Colonel William Kermit Brock of Texas to friends, family, community, and country. It is my honor to recognize William with a 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to present Dr. Philip Jay Gabbert of Lufkin, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation in recognition of his distinguished military career, his service to our Nation, and his extraordinary commitment to veterans and the community. Dr. Gabbert's life reflects the very best traditions of military service: integrity, dedication, sacrifice, and a commitment to serving others. His service began more than five decades ago when he entered the United States Air Force in 1972. He would go on to serve approximately 20 years on active duty, attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant and serving as an Electrical and Switching Systems Technician. During his Air Force career, Dr. Gabbert served his country across the United States and around the world. His assignments included Barksdale Air Force Base, Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, NORAD in Colorado Springs, Misawa Air Base in Japan, Lindsey Air Station in Germany, and what became Air Force Space Command in Colorado Springs. His responsibilities included telecommunications, combat communications, equipment accountability, safety, quality control, and communications systems. He was entrusted with important responsibilities because of his technical expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to excellence. While stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Dr. Gabbert served with the Honor Guard, participating in military funeral services and community parades. During his service, he also demonstrated exceptional weapons proficiency, earning expert marksmanship qualifications. His military service included overseas assignments and support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. From August 1990 through February 1991, he served during a critical period in our Nation's history, answering the call when American forces were called upon to defend freedom and confront aggression in the Middle East. His awards include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and Combat Communications Group recognition. Yet Dr. Gabble's service was never limited to the responsibilities of his military occupation. While stationed overseas, he volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America and assisted young people participating in an international World Jamboree. He also became involved with the Girl Scouts, helping support successful cookie-sale activities, and volunteered with the American Red Cross as an instructor. His dedication was so extraordinary that he was recognized for contributing more than 1,000 volunteer hours annually for three consecutive years. He also became involved with the Japanese-American Friendship Club while stationed at Misawa Air Base, helping strengthen relationships between American service members and the Japanese community. In 1992, Dr. Gabbert honorably retired from the United States Air Force. But retirement from military service did not mean retirement from service. Following his military career, Dr. Gabbert continued his education and professional development, ultimately earning a Ph.D. in Information Technology. He worked in technology, telecommunications, education, and technical support, using his knowledge and experience to help others. Perhaps most importantly, however, Dr. Gabbert found a new mission in serving his fellow veterans. Through his involvement with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Air & Space Forces Association, he has devoted countless hours to helping veterans obtain the benefits they earned through their military service. Dr. Gabbert is a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans, Air & Space Forces Association, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He serves as a Service Officer with both the VFW and American Legion and serves as a VFW Chaplain. He has personally assisted many veterans in navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs disability claims process. He teaches them how to understand their claims, gather supporting documentation, prepare for Compensation and Pension examinations, monitor their cases, and advocate for themselves, Dr. Gabbert also gives approximately 120 hours each month to veterans' organizations and other community-service activities. Through Hospice in the Pines, he participates in veteran recognition and pinning ceremonies honoring veterans near the end of their lives. He helps ensure that these veterans and their families know that their sacrifices are remembered and appreciated. He has participated in numerous such ceremonies, providing dignity and recognition to veterans and comfort to their families. He also participates annually in Wreaths Across America, helping honor and remember deceased American service members. Through the American Legion, he assists with the annual Four Chaplains Ceremony, commemorating four Army chaplains who sacrificed their own lives to save others during World War II. Dr. Gabbert understands that serving veterans also means investing in the next generation. He serves as a coordinator connecting the Lufkin High School JROTC program with the Army National Guard unit in Lufkin, helping strengthen the relationship between young people, military organizations, and the veteran community. His commitment to his community extends even beyond veterans and military organizations. On numerous occasions, Dr. Gabbert has volunteered in character as Uncle Sam and Santa Claus at community events. He has brought joy and fellowship to senior citizens, veterans at VFW posts and veterans centers, patients and visitors at VA facilities, and members of the broader community. These acts demonstrate something important about Dr. Gabbert's character. He understands that service is not always about recognition. Sometimes service means simply showing up, giving your time, bringing encouragement to someone who needs it, or making another person feel remembered. Dr. Gabbert's story demonstrates that military service does not end when a veteran hangs up the uniform. More than five decades after first answering the call to serve, he continues to dedicate his time and talents to others. His legacy can be seen in the veterans he has helped navigate the VA system, the families who have received comfort during hospice recognition ceremonies, the fallen service members remembered through Wreaths Across America, the young people encouraged through JROTC and Scouting, and the countless neighbors who have benefited from his willingness to volunteer. It is my privilege to recognize Dr. Philip Jay Gabbert for his distinguished military service, his extraordinary volunteerism, and his lifelong dedication to veterans, military families, and his community.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Command Sergeant Major Rocky Lynne Carr, a distinguished United States Army veteran and a resident of Lufkin, Texas, who has devoted more than three decades of his life to serving our Nation and his fellow Americans. Command Sergeant Major Carr served 31 years in the United States Army, culminating his career as the 17th Command Sergeant Major of the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, the Army Service Component Command to the United States Transportation Command. Throughout his distinguished career, he served in positions of increasing responsibility and leadership, from leading Soldiers at the company level to serving as a senior enlisted leader for major Army organizations in the United States, Europe, and around the world. His military service included two deployments to Iraq, two deployments to Bosnia, and a deployment to Kuwait. His service in these demanding environments required exceptional leadership, discipline, and dedication to the Soldiers under his command. Among his many military decorations and awards, Command Sergeant Major Carr received the Bronze Star Medal twice for his service during deployments to Iraq, as well as multiple awards recognizing his leadership, achievement, and meritorious service. Throughout his career, Rocky understood that leadership was about more than accomplishing a mission. It was about taking care of people. He placed a strong emphasis on developing future leaders, building cohesive teams, maintaining readiness, and supporting Soldiers, civilians, and military families. His commitment to mentorship and professional development was further demonstrated through his involvement with the Sergeant Morales Club and his efforts to develop generations of non-commissioned officers. After retiring from active military service in March 2022, Command Sergeant Major Carr continued his commitment to serving others. Rather than stepping away from service, he brought his decades of military leadership and organizational experience home to East Texas. Today, he serves without compensation as the Co-Founder and Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of Make it Happen Missions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting volunteers with individuals and communities facing genuine needs. Through this organization, he helps organize volunteers, establish community partnerships, coordinate service projects, secure resources, and turn identified needs into tangible results. In just the last two years, Make it Happen Missions has generated more than $320,000 in cost avoidance for East Texas families, churches, and nonprofits, while coordinating more than 5,000 volunteer hours involving 487 volunteers and 109 collaborations with community organizations. One example of this service is the organization's partnership with the Texas Ramp Project, through which Command Sergeant Major Carr and fellow volunteers have helped construct accessibility ramps for elderly residents and individuals with disabilities. These projects provide safer access to homes and help individuals maintain their independence and dignity. His community service extends well beyond ramp construction. He has helped with home repairs, assistance to veterans, support for elderly and disabled residents, community cleanups, emergency assistance, and efforts supporting underserved communities across East Texas. Since 2024, he has personally devoted countless hours to directing, planning, and coordinating these efforts. Rocky has also helped transform a severely deteriorated warehouse into a functional headquarters and operations center for Make it Happen Missions. Through volunteer labor, donated resources, community partnerships, and careful stewardship, he helped create a facility where volunteers can be trained, equipped, and dispatched to meet the needs of their communities. Mr. Speaker, Rocky represents the very best traditions of military and community service. His commitment to others did not end when he retired from the Army. Instead, he carried the values of leadership, discipline, teamwork, compassion, and service from his military career into a new mission--serving the people of East Texas. His 31 years of military service, combat deployments, senior enlisted leadership, commitment to mentoring Soldiers, and continued dedication to his community are worthy of recognition. It is my honor to recognize Command Sergeant Major Rocky L. Carr as a recipient of the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation for the 17th Congressional District of Texas. I commend him for his extraordinary record of service to our Nation and for continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of his fellow East Texans. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Command Sergeant Major Rocky L. Carr for his distinguished military service and his continued commitment to serving others.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to present Thomas Oleinik, of Huntsville, Texas, with a 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation. His life of service reflects the hard work, dedication, and devotion that exemplify the very best of our East Texas values. Thomas Oleinik entered active duty in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in February 1961 at the age of nineteen. He trained with the 5th and 13th Infantry at Fort Riley, Kansas, and the 1st Engineering Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Thomas went on to serve honorably overseas in Korea in the aftermath of the Korean War. Although he was trained as a combat engineer and prepared to serve in a still-hostile Korean theater, the Army recognized his abilities and entrusted him with an important administrative role. He was assigned to the 15th Administration Company and placed in charge of managing the Army Post Office for the 24th Infantry Division at Panmunjom for 15 months, serving as a vital link between soldiers and their families. Thomas took great pride in the trust his superiors placed in him. Thomas returned stateside following his overseas tour and transferred to the 20th Engineering Brigade at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, where he continued serving in the U.S. Army Reserves through 1967, completing six years of military service. During his service, Thomas qualified as an Expert Rifle Marksman and completed training in Basic Combat Training, the Military Justice Code of Conduct, Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Defense, and the Geneva Conventions. Following his military service, Thomas began an extraordinary 39-year career in law enforcement in 1964. He served as a Wisconsin State Trooper from 1964 to 1967 before becoming a Texas State Trooper in 1968. He continued serving with the Texas Department of Public Safety until his retirement in 1993 at the rank of Corporal. Thomas' retirement from law enforcement was brief. In 1996, former County Judge and past Congressional Veteran Commendation recipient Charles Wagamon and County Commissioner Buddy Reynolds launched an effort to establish Walker County's first Environmental Enforcement Officer. Thomas applied for the position, was selected, and quickly made it his own. He enforced county ordinances addressing illegal dumping, burning violations, water and air pollution, and also handled septic inspections, 911 files, building codes, and permitting. His work helped make Walker County a safer, cleaner, and more orderly community while inspiring volunteers to take an active role in improving their surroundings. In recognition of his efforts, Thomas received third place in the Keep Texas Beautiful Ed Davis Litter Law Enforcement Award in 2002. He retired from the position in 2008 and devoted even more of his time to serving his community. Thomas became a Finance Officer and long-time board member of the newly established H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum of Texas, where he worked alongside its co-founder, his beloved wife Charlotte, to help build the museum into the institution it is today, serving thousands of veterans throughout the region. He has also served in numerous volunteer and leadership roles with VFW Post 5871, his church, and other community organizations, consistently giving his time to veterans, families, and neighbors in need. Thomas' devotion to his country extended into civic service as well. Because of his deep sense of duty and love of country, he served for many years as a Precinct Chair for the Republican Party of Walker County, where he worked to strengthen the integrity of local elections and remained committed to serving his commnunity. Thomas' greatest legacy of service, however, began at home with Charlotte. Built upon a strong foundation of faith, their marriage included fostering more than 50 young children over the course of their life together. Through his military service, law enforcement career, veteran advocacy, civic involvement, and dedication to his family, Thomas has exemplified what it means to be a great American, exceptional veteran, father, leader, and mentor. It is this lifetime of hard work, service, leadership, and devotion to his community and family that I proudly commend Thomas Oleinik of Huntsville, Texas, to his friends, family, community, and country. It is my honor to recognize him with the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to present retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Tyronne Jonathon Jones of Crockett, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation in recognition of his impressive service to his community and country. For more than 20 years, Tyronne served our Nation in the United States Army, retiring as a Sergeant First Class in 2023. His military career included service with the 1st Special Forces Group, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, and other aviation and cavalry units, where he developed expertise in aircraft armament, avionics, and unmanned aircraft systems. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Spartan Shield, and Operation Inherent Resolve, serving in locations all across the Europe and the Middle East. But behind those deployments and decorations is a story of extraordinary courage and sacrifice. In January 2014, while deployed to Afghanistan with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Staff Sgt. Jones was caught in a deadly insurgent attack on his forward operating base. On January 20, 2014, insurgents penetrated the compound following a massive explosion and opened fire. Jones was struck by a gunshot during the firefight. Beside him was his Chief Warrant Officer, who was killed in the attack. Jones and his Chief Warrant Officer provided covering fire while junior troops worked to get civilians to safety. The Officer paid the ultimate price for his devotion to his fellow Soldiers. Jones survived the attack, but he was seriously wounded and ultimately evacuated through Kandahar and Bagram before arriving at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. That wound earned him the Purple Heart, one of our Nation's oldest and most respected military decorations. The Purple Heart represents more than an award on a uniform. It is a reminder that Sergeant First Class Jones was willing to put his own life in danger for his fellow Soldiers and for the mission of the United States Army. What happened next tells us even more about the character of this remarkable American. Tyronne had planned to reenlist while deployed in Afghanistan. His reenlistment ceremony was supposed to be conducted by his Chief Warrant Officer. Instead, Jones was forced to recover from his injuries at Landstuhl. Yet while recovering from his combat wounds, Jones still chose to reenlist. On February 19, 2014, he took the oath of enlistment again at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his family and fellow Soldiers. His decision demonstrated a profound commitment to his country. He refused to allow an enemy attack to determine when his service would end. That is the kind of courage that deserves recognition. What makes Tyronne particularly deserving of this Congressional Veteran Commendation is that his service did not end when his military career ended. After retiring from the Army in 2023, Tyronne continued serving the people of Crockett. Just one week before his military retirement, he began a new chapter of public service as a Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Crockett. In this position, he works to help maintain the safety, appearance, and quality of life of his community. The City of Crockett has recognized Jones and other veterans employed by the city for their commitment not only to our Nation, but to their continued service to the local community. He also continued his commitment to his fellow veterans by joining American Legion Post 134, where he serves as Post Adjutant. In that role, Tyronne helps veterans and their families navigate difficult circumstances and provides assistance when they need it most. He has helped support veterans with necessities such as household expenses, utilities, automobiles, home repairs, and accessibility needs. He also helps organize meals and fellowship opportunities for veterans and first responders--creating the kind of community where those who have served our country know that their service has not been forgotten. His commitment to Crockett extends into the broader community as well. Tyronne serves on the Board of Directors of the Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce, helping promote local businesses and strengthen the community he now calls home. He has also volunteered with the Houston County Search and Rescue team, putting his training, discipline, and experience to work when his neighbors need assistance. And he has continued finding ways to serve through his volunteer work with the American Red Cross. That is the meaning of a true citizen- soldier. The same qualities that made Tyronne a great Soldier--discipline, courage, leadership, loyalty, and commitment to others--continue to make him an outstanding member of the East Texas community. I am proud to recognize Sergeant First Class Tyronne J. Jones as a recipient of the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation. On behalf of the people of Texas's 17th Congressional District, I thank Tyronne for more than two decades of honorable military service, for the sacrifices represented by his Purple Heart, and for everything he continues to do for his fellow veterans and his community.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to present Corporal Tom Gene Fordyce of Huntsville, Texas, with a 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation. His life of service reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment that exemplify the very best of our East Texas values. Tom Fordyce entered active duty at Camp Pendleton, California, in June 1966 at the age of eighteen. He served with Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Regiment, 3rd Division of the Marine Corps. During the Vietnam War, Tom served with honor and heroism at Khe Sanh, where he sustained a severe injury to his left arm that rendered it permanently unusable. His military service instilled in him a resilience and commitment to mission and purpose that he has carried throughout his life. Tom served two years overseas in combat and earned numerous military honors, including the Purple Heart Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon. He completed Infantry Training and the Anti-Tank Assaultman's Course in 1966, followed by Combat Marksmanship training in 1968. Following his military service, Tom graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1972 and went on to build a distinguished career with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice spanning more than three decades. He retired in 2005 as Department Head of the Agriculture and Minerals Division. That same year, he was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to serve as a board member of the Trinity River Authority, a position he held for many years. Tom also served as a Commissioner for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and currently serves as a member of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, having been appointed by Governor Greg Abbott. Tom's commitment to veterans is equally remarkable. In 2010, he founded the Warrior Banquet in conjunction with the Mighty Oaks Foundation, where he currently serves as Chief of Special Projects and a board member. Through this work, he helps advance the organization's faith-based mission of providing peer-to-peer mentoring and recovery programs for combat veterans and military families dealing with PTSD. Tom has also devoted himself to strengthening his hometown of Huntsville and supporting its youth. In 2014, he was named the Huntsville Item's Unsung Hero in recognition of his persistent involvement with veterans and the community, as well as his support of local youth in agriculture. Throughout the years, Tom and his family have continued to give back to their community and encourage others to help make Huntsville a better place. His community service has included leadership and board roles with the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum, Walker County Fair Association, Lone Survivor Foundation, and Huntsville Veterans Advisory Council. As a Marine, Tom was guided and shaped into the man we know today. Behind every great man, however, is a great woman, and Tom has been married to Sharon for 32 years. Together, they are the proud parents of four adult children: Stephanie, Michael, Lauren, and Tyler. The love and inspiration of his family, along with God's blessings, have helped shape Tom into a neighbor, hero, and trusted source of wise counsel to countless citizens and elected officials throughout Huntsville. It is this lifetime of hard work, service, leadership, and devotion to his community, veterans, and its youth that I proudly commend Tom Gene Fordyce of Huntsville, Texas, to his friends, family, community, and country. It is my honor to recognize him with the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Bilirakis and the Energy and Commerce Committee for bringing this bill forward. My dear friend, the gentleman from Florida, Vern Buchanan, years ago began this process, understanding that it was more than just an issue that Congress would deal with. It is also an issue that is called spring forward, fall back. You fall back as we get to October, and that means you lose the time, the light that you had all this time. Spring forward is always seen by the American people--and if you serve for Roger Williams and the Republican congressional baseball team--as an opportunity for you to be able to see for the first time in the light what the day is going to look like to catch a fly ball. The bottom line to this whole thing is spring forward, fall back is something that impacts every single American. It impacts people when they go to work. It impacts people as they try to find time to play with their children at night--just a little bit extra time. It helps people who have retinal or eye issues to be able to see more clearly for longer from the time they get up until the time they work their way home, perhaps after work. It is no wonder that spring forward, fall back is something that the American people are asking Congress to please standardize and give them more light and opportunity. Spring forward, fall back is an opportunity for the American people to have more time in the light of day to not only live their lives but to accomplish those things, rather than being in the dark. Mr. Speaker, I will tell you that what this does is it makes it standard across the country, and it does. I think that puts us all with the same opportunity, and that is what the American people want. I couldn't exactly say it because I didn't want to say it wrong, but ``spring forward, fall back'' is a commonsense opportunity that every single person knows and understands because as we now have enjoyed our spring forward, if we pass this, we do not have to change it to fall back, to fall back to darkness, to fall back to change. Lastly, it impacts my staff greatly and anyone on Capitol Hill because we are very acutely aware that when we get off work, like hundreds of millions of Americans, they go home in the dark. It means that people go into parking lots in the dark. It means that people go and perhaps walk home or drive in the dark at a time when it would be a safety factor. There are, of course, those who do not want this. That really does not bother me. For us to address this with fear rather than knowing that the American people want this is the issue about what drives me to be here. It is big in Texas because we spend a lot of time outside. I want to reiterate to the American people: We are listening. It is something we have taken up for a long time. Finally, Vern Buchanan and the Energy and Commerce Committee have brought this bill to us. I am very pleased to say I will be an ``aye'' vote. I hope that my colleagues will be the same.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I join Mr. Taylor in thanking the Ohio delegation and really all of our Members for their recognition of service to this great Nation in the naming of this post office. The effort that the President made to represent the United States, the unity that you heard about his service to the United States military, his service to the Department of Justice, his service to the people of the country to bring them together at a time when many thought we could not survive as a nation, to honor him now is, without question, the right thing to do. Naming this post office in his hometown of Georgetown, Ohio, is a high honor to the people of that town also. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, naming a post office for our 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, the Ohio delegation supports this effort we are undertaking today. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Taylor).

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill, which would rename a post office in Georgetown, Ohio, for Ulysses S. Grant. As an Ohio native, Grant was born in Point Pleasant and raised in Georgetown before attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Upon graduation, he served with distinction in the Mexican-American war. He later went on to engage in several major battles during the American Civil War, eventually becoming the first officer appointed as lieutenant general of the United States Army. Grant became the 18th President of the United States in 1869 and served two terms as President of the United States of America. Over his time in office, President Grant established the Department of Justice and oversaw the adoption of the 15th Amendment and other Reconstruction efforts that were important to this fledgling young Nation. He is remembered as one of the great military geniuses and a symbol of national unity. I am pleased not only on behalf of Chairman James Comer to bring this bill forward but also the important parts of this that come from the delegation from the great State of Ohio. We will be hearing from them in just a few minutes. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7809) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201 East Grant Avenue in Georgetown, Ohio, as the ``Ulysses S. Grant Post Office Building''.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Walkinshaw) has very nicely thanked the young chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, James Comer. Mr. Comer, I think, really did work well with the minority to make sure not only that this bill was handled appropriately, but to make sure that it could be scheduled in time so that the families would be here. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues and all of our colleagues to understand that, today, naming this post office is a nice way to remember not just the memory but also the service that our late colleague, Gerald Connolly, provided. Mr. Speaker, I ask for their support, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I, too, while directing my comments directly to the young speaker, will say that I, too, recognize not only Congressman Connolly's family being here, but I equally recognize, as Mr. Walkinshaw does, their contribution of service with their husband and their father and their uncle and those members of the family because service goes beyond just a person. It is extended to the family, who many times is a part of the success that is gleaned from their service, but they are an equal part of it. I, too, recognize, on behalf of myself and my colleagues on this side, the generosity that they extended by being here today and for the service that they will be rewarded with and thanked for today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of a bill which would rename a post office in Fairfax, Virginia, for one of our former colleagues, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, a father, a husband, friend of mine and to this body, and a lifelong civil public servant, one that dedicated his life to his constituents, his community, and to his country. Gerald Connolly began his life of service at the Heifer Project International in Little Rock, Arkansas. Arkansas is a beautiful, young State that we have here in the United States, and he chose to move there and to live to work on his project to begin his service. He then moved to Washington, D.C. in 1972. Gerry rose from the education director to executive director of the American Freedom from Hunger Foundation while simultaneously serving as the executive director of the U.S. Committee on Refugees. He became a pillar of a person and stalwart for Northern Virginia through his 13 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and served for 16 years as our colleague in this body representing Virginia's 11th Congressional District. In 2025, he was elected as the ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform after serving as a member of the committee since 2009. In Congress, Gerald Connolly was a friend to many of us and my friend also. He was steadfast in fighting for what he believed in. He was always committed to bipartisanship where he thought we could agree, and he would find those issues. I worked with him on many. Many of my Republican committee colleagues found Gerry Connolly to be a partner and a friend. The bottom line is that his exemplary public service will endure, continuing to guide and inspire those committed to serving our Nation. I am sure that his life and the stories of his life are being told with many as an example of public service. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on that measure.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6332) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10660 Page Avenue in Fairfax, Virginia, as the ``Congressman Gerald E. Connolly Post Office Building''.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, the American people and Members of Congress have heard the story today: 200-plus pages of factual data, six hearings, and the opportunity on a bipartisan basis to develop the facts of the case from people's own testimony. Today, we have a request for us to listen to the minority. This has been done for the last year and a half; opportunity for hearings, opportunity for their staff to develop the same kind of factually based information, not public data, not something that they read somewhere but to bring to the floor, to bring to the subcommittee and the committee, the hard facts of the case. Mr. Speaker, I think we have made our point today, and that point is that there were people who were elected who chose not only to not listen but, when people came forward who were whistleblowers, they took retaliatory action against them. They have denied their involvement, and, yet, the mounds of data suggest otherwise. Mr. Speaker, I think today this subcommittee and this committee are bringing forth, through Mr. Fallon's resolution, an opportunity to say enough is enough. It should be a story that is told by every one of us. We invite their vote. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Stutzman).

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman has an opportunity to bring forth more than public data. He has the ability to go and take testimony, to gather the information. I encourage the gentleman to do that.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman knows that not only am I open to this, but my door is open in my office. It is open for a reason. It is open for a reason, not just for those who might agree with me, but for those who might disagree with me or those who might want to do business. My door is open. My availability is there. I believe that the issues today that we are trying to talk about are fraud, not politics, and we have attempted to look at fraud where it is. The gentleman knows where my office is, and he knows I am open. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser).

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I will answer that question, and the answer is clear: The State of Texas that has that authority and responsibility did that in extensive hearings and extensive reports that led up to action by the State of Texas officially in the legislature to bring him before them, and he has answered every question he could have answered. It is on the record and there for all the world to see.

Mr. SESSIONS. This resolution that we are going to vote on today highlights fraud in Ohio, a Republican-led State. It is right in the report. It is right here. This Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has also had an ongoing investigation, including Medicare fraud in Ohio. The committee held a hearing on that Medicaid fraud in Ohio just last week. Just last week, both the staffs were aware of that, and we brought in Ohio State officials to testify to get them on record just like we did, as the gentleman knows, in Minnesota and other States. I appreciate the gentleman asking the question.