Beth Van Duyne

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Officer Terry Caldwell, who is retiring after an extraordinary 41-year career in law enforcement, including 28 years of dedicated service with the Grapevine Police Department. Officer Caldwell began his distinguished career in 1984 with the Dallas County Sheriff's Department and, over the course of his service, earned multiple certifications and commendations, amassing more than 3,700 hours of professional training. During his tenure with the Grapevine Police Department, Officer Caldwell served 25 of his 28 years as a School Resource Officer in the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District, a role he considered his calling. He was deeply committed to working alongside the young people of our community, serving as a trusted role model and mentor to thousands of students across elementary, middle, and high schools. Officer Caldwell's unwavering dedication, professionalism, and service have left an indelible mark on the community he has faithfully served. His career stands as a testament to the values of integrity, compassion, and commitment that define the very best of law enforcement. On behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I congratulate Officer Terry Caldwell on his well-earned retirement and thank him for his decades of service to our community.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Assistant Director of Border Security for the Houston Office, Erik Shoberg. For the last 30 years, Mr. Shoberg has demonstrated unwavering loyalty and dedication to protecting America's borders through his work at the United States Customs and Border Protection. He served in posts across the Nation and abroad, including Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Houston, and Toronto. During his time at the U.S. CBP, he has had oversight into immigration processing, biometric programs, firearms/ canine programs, intelligence and targeting processes, and external task force officers. Throughout his career, Mr. Shoberg has showcased his intellectual versatility by consistently being at the forefront of innovating efforts to modernize the work being done by the U.S. CBP. Many of these efforts have focused on the identification of high-risk travelers and the integration of intelligence into operations, allowing for a more harmonized effort focusing on national security concerns. Mr. Shoberg's commitment to improving processes has led to the identification of numerous persons of interest. For his service, Mr. Shoberg has been the recipient of multiple Commissioner's Anti-Terrorism Awards throughout his career and has received a Department of Homeland Security Secretary's Award for Team DHS Excellence. It is the hard-work, dedication, and faithful service by our U.S. CBP officers like Mr. Shoberg that are the backbone of American security. We thank Mr. Shoberg for his 30 years of incredible service to our Nation and wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Officer John Chandler for his 20 years of dedicated service to the Grapevine Police Department and to our North Texas community. A native Texan, Officer Chandler graduated from L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas, and continued his education at the University of Texas at Arlington. He began his law enforcement career in January 2005, joining the Grapevine Police Department. Throughout his career, Officer Chandler held various roles including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, and Mental Health Officer. In each of these positions, he not only upheld the highest standards of law enforcement but also served as a mentor and leader to his fellow officers. His work as a Mental Health Officer demonstrated his compassion and dedication to serving vulnerable members of the community. He has accumulated over 2,500 hours of advanced law enforcement training and has earned multiple certifications and commendations, reflecting his pursuit of excellence and his readiness to rise to every challenge. His legacy is not only marked by years of faithful service but also by the lives he impacted, the officers he trained and mentored, and the trust he built with the community. Officer Chandler's service to law enforcement and his community has left a lasting impact. As he enters his next chapter, I extend my best wishes to him for a well-deserved retirement.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor a tremendous young woman from the Texas 24th Congressional District, Ava Moore. Ava was an exceptional individual. She was a leader, a patriot, and a bright light in our North Texas community. From the first time we reviewed her application to the U.S. Air Force Academy, it was clear she was destined for greatness. Her academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to serving our nation stood out. That's why I nominated her not once, but twice to the Air Force Academy. The Academy itself recognized her potential and asked her to attend the U.S. Air Force Preparatory School. Ava successfully completed that program this May, and she was home for just a short break before heading off to basic training and beginning her next chapter at the Air Force Academy. Our staff had spoken with her about her abbreviated summer break and could hear in her voice how excited she was to start a career in service to her beloved country. While kayaking with friends on Grapevine Lake, Ava's life was taken in a senseless, preventable tragedy. Our entire office is heartbroken about her loss and grieved for Ava's family, friends, coaches, and teammates. I am grateful local and federal law enforcement took swift action to apprehend those responsible, as that was the bare minimum we owe to Ava and to every American family trying to raise children in peace and safety. I had the privilege of speaking with Ava's father, a man of great faith, kindness, and forgiveness. Even in the face of unimaginable loss, he told me he was remaining hopeful and positive, because, in his words, ``that's how Ava would have wanted it.'' That tells you everything you need to know about the kind of young woman Ava was, and the family who raised her. They chose to honor her life not with sorrow, but with a coming home memorial, a celebration of how she stood as an incredible example for all those around her. This past week, Ava was laid to rest with full military honors, as family and friends gathered to celebrate her grace, dignity, character, and strength. Our Nation is at a loss with Ava's passing. She was leading a life of service as a young woman whose dream was to protect and defend the very freedoms we enjoy in this country today. She was taken far too soon. May we honor Ava by remembering the incredible young woman that she was and may God bring peace to her family knowing that though her time on earth was cut short, her legacy and her example will last with all of us. We ask the Lord to bless and receive His servant, Ava Moore. She has come home.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor Ava Moore, a tremendous young woman from the 24th Congressional District. She was a leader, a patriot, and a bright light in our north Texas community. From the first time that we reviewed her application to the U.S. Air Force Academy, it was clear that she was destined for greatness. In May, Ava was home for just a short break before heading off to basic training. While kayaking with friends on Grapevine Lake, Ava's life was taken in a senseless and preventable tragedy. Our entire office is heartbroken about her loss. I had the privilege of speaking with Ava's father, a man of great faith, kindness, and forgiveness. Even in the face of unimaginable loss, he told me that he was remaining hopeful and positive because, in his own words, that is how Ava would have wanted it. Our Nation is at a loss with Ava's passing. May we honor her by remembering the incredible woman that she was. May God bring peace to her family, knowing that her legacy and her example will last with all of us.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, in the past 107 days since President Trump was inaugurated and Administrator Loeffler took the helm at the Small Business Administration, we have seen incredible strides toward streamlining services, eliminating waste, and ensuring that every taxpayer dollar delivers immeasurable results. Beyond tackling bloat, inefficiencies, and burdensome regulations, the administration has partnered with us to deliver real results for the American people. Today, congressional Republicans are partnering with them through my bill, the American Entrepreneurs First Act. We have heard this bill described this morning as complicated and as taking drastic measures. Drastic measures mean that the SBA is going to need new resources to be able to actually do their job. Simply put, all this does is say that when they are giving out SBA loans, they have to require age verification and citizenship status verification. That is it. How complicated and drastic is that? Verify age and citizenship status, that is it. It is codifying an important executive action that is already taking place. In recent months, it has been discovered that under the previous administration, lax safeguards have allowed illegal aliens, children, and even the deceased to apply for and receive SBA assistance. Thanks to the great work done by this administration, we learned that in June 2024, the SBA approved a $783,000 loan application for a small business that was owned by almost one-half, 49 percent, by an illegal alien. Further, they found that between 2020 and 2021, the SBA issued over 3,000 loans totaling $333 million to borrowers over 115 years old--one more time, that is $333 million of taxpayer dollars that went to borrowers over 115 years old--and more than 5,500 loans totaling $300 million to children under 11 years old. Is that where we want our dollars to be spent? We know, without a doubt, that the previous administration welcomed millions of illegal aliens into our country when, during the first 50 days of the Trump administration, ICE made over 32,809 arrests, which included 14,111 convicted criminals, including 1,155 criminal gang members. We cannot allow those kinds of folks who are in our country illegally to take money away from hardworking Americans who are applying for SBA taxpayer-backed loans. I am thankful to see that the tide is now turning and that we have a new day here in America, but it is important that we pass this legislation to protect the successes of this administration in the long term. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the American Entrepreneurs First Act.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, over the past 2 years, my colleagues and I on the Ways and Means Committee have traveled around the country, listening to working families, small business owners, and job creators. North Texans have been very clear: They want relief, certainty, and a tax code that works for them, not against them. Last week, we delivered. The bill that we passed out of committee reflects the real needs of our communities and the promises that we made to the American people. It is a strong, commonsense compromise that builds on the success of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This bill expands the child tax credit, makes the small business deduction permanent, and boosts the standard deduction with a new enhancement for seniors. It restores immediate expensing for R&D and increases access to tax-free health savings accounts. In short, this one big, beautiful bill stops the largest tax increase in American history and delivers historic tax relief instead. I look forward to its swift passage and to President Trump signing it into law.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr Speaker, I rise today to recognize Euless Police Corporal James Gordon for his twenty-eight years of selfless service to North Texans. Corporal Gordon, a graduate of Lewisville High School and Texas A&M University, began his career in public service as a Probation Officer for Denton, Tarrant, and Dallas Counties. He Joined the Euless Police Department in 1996, serving with distinction for nearly three decades. Promoted to the rank of Police Corporal in 2000, he has held numerous critical assignments and roles that strengthened the safety and trust in the community. Corporal Gordon is best known to many in the Euless community for his role as a Neighborhood Police Officer and his dedicated work with crime watch programs. He has been a pillar in community engagement efforts through the Citizen's Police Academy, CERT Program, Child Safety Seat Program, Rape Aggression Defense (RAD), CPR instruction, and the David Hofer Police Camp. His commitment to safety extended to conducting home security surveys and creating the Euless SAFE business program to promote responsible business security practices. A skilled and decorated officer, Corporal Gordon served as a SWAT officer from 2001 to 2008 and has been a Defensive Tactics Instructor since 1999. His leadership earned him the title of Crime Prevention Expert from the Texas Crime Prevention Association and STEP Officer of the Year for the State of Texas in 2007. His professional affiliations include the Texas Crime Prevention Association, where he serves as President of the North Texas chapter, and the Texas Municipal Police Association. His commitment to duty and the community has also been recognized through numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Award, multiple Unit Citations, and the prestigious Euless Employee of the Year in 2018. Beyond his accolades, James Gordon is a trusted mentor, an Eagle Scout and a devoted public servant who has made a lasting impact on countless lives. As he enters a well-earned retirement, dedicating his time to family and friends, I express my deepest gratitude for his courage and commitment to the safety and well-being of the people of North Texas. Congratulations and thanks to Corporal James Gordon.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Thomas Owen. Thomas is a senior at Jesuit College Preparatory School in Dallas. With his graduation quickly approaching, instead of making the celebration about him, he is organizing a graduation party to benefit Make-A-Wish North Texas. Thomas serves on the Make-A-Wish Youth Leadership Council, and has brought together a team of students from local North Texas high schools to help support this cause. He is inspiring others to take action and give back to their communities. I thank Thomas for inspiring his fellow North Texans through his selflessness and leadership. Through the use of his entrepreneurial skills, he is making a difference in our community.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Loann Pham of Richardson. She has been a dedicated volunteer with Feed My Starving Children since 2019. Over the past six years, Loann has contributed to nearly 500 food-packing sessions and organized 900 volunteer groups, playing a key role in engaging the community. Feed My Starving Children Richardson is a nonprofit committed to providing nutritionally complete meals to starving children in need around the world. Through their efforts, volunteers pack meals in the U.S. and they are distributed to over 70 countries worldwide. We thank Loann for her commitment to the fight against childhood hunger and her efforts to inspire others to give back. Her passion makes a lasting impact on our North Texas community and beyond.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Euless Public Service Officer Russell Carter for his 25 years of dedicated service to North Texas. A proud graduate of Haltom High School, he furthered his education in criminology and criminal justice through coursework at Tarrant County College and Columbia College. Mr. Carter began his career in warehouse operations and security at Atlantic Air in Richland Hills and Pinkerton Security at the General Motors plant in Arlington. He joined the City of Euless in 2000, where his contributions have earned him multiple recognitions, including the 2006 Civilian of the Year Award and 2011 October Employee of the Month. His commitment to excellence was evident by his role in tactical training exercises and assisting in the development of new jail FTO/ training manual and Bond Procedures manual. A dedicated member of the Euless Police Officers Association, Mr. Carter also volunteers with a charity BBQ team, participating in competitions, and supporting local causes. In his personal time, he enjoys fishing, hunting, and cherishing moments with his family. Mr. Carter's professionalism, service, and community involvement made a lasting impact on Euless. I thank him for his contributions to North Texas and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, who is described by others as a giver, leader, mentor, servant, strategist, planner, and doer. It's clear that Dr. Katie Simpson of Southlake goes above and beyond to help and inspire individuals in our community. While her husband served as an Active- Duty fighter pilot. Katie was an Air Force volunteer, establishing a biannual family deployment fair in Ramstein and mentoring other military families during her husband's deployments. Now, Katie serves North Texans in a variety of ways--as a volunteer team leader at the Texas Ramp Project, Dr. Simpson surveys sites, designs ramps, and leads a volunteer crew in building dozens of wheelchair ramps. Leading three textile ministries, she makes prayer shawls for patients at Texas Oncology, makes blankets and hats for veterans transitioning out of homelessness, works with the Fort Worth VA, and creates fidget quilts/blankets for special needs children and individuals in memory care. Katie also finds time to volunteer with her church and delivers meals weekly with Metroport Meals on Wheels in Southlake. Katie's tireless service has earned her numerous awards, including the National Daughters of the American Revolution Distinguished Citizen Medal in 2021, Excellence in Community Service in 2016, Texas Daughters of the American Revolution Outstanding DAR Service to Veterans in 2017, and the Arts Council Northeast Shining Star award for volunteer leadership service to the community. I thank Dr. Katie Simpson for her unwavering commitment to serving others. Her devotion to our North Texas community is appreciated and continues to inspire those around her.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Heroes, Luke and Jen Huch of Euless. They faced every parent's nightmare when their son, Lion, was diagnosed with leukemia at just seven months old. Lion was given a 47 percent chance of survival and began an intensive chemotherapy journey. Determined to defy the odds, the Huch family lived in the hospital for the first six months of their fight. Music became a key part of Lion's survival, giving the family a boost in faith and spirits. With instruments like drums, a keyboard, and a guitar, Luke and Jen would write songs and sing with Lion to keep his spirits high. This led to Lion's passion for music, and inspired the Huches to create Free Music, a local nonprofit that provides instruments to children who are battling or recovering from life-threatening illness. Rooted in their belief that music can provide hope, inspire kids to keep fighting, and bring joy to families, through Free Music, the Huches are providing sick children with a creative outlet and something to focus on other than their medical journey. In their words, these children have incredible perspectives on life, their stories need to be told, and their voices need to be heard through the gift of music. North Texas is lucky to have Luke and Jen who turned Lion's devastating diagnosis into an opportunity to offer hope and strength to other children and families. I'd like to thank the Huch family for their commitment to spreading joy and hope through music.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Euless Police Corporal Thomas ``Wade'' Tice, a dedicated public servant who has devoted more than three decades to serving our community. Raised in the rural community of Burleson, Corporal Tice went on to attend Texas A&M University and later Tarrant County Junior College before entering the workforce. After several years in the construction industry, he sought a more fulfilling career, leading him to law enforcement. In 1989, Corporal Tice began his career in public service as a jailer with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department. Committed to advancing in the field, he attended the night police academy at Tarleton State University while working full-time. His hard work and determination paid off when, in May 1990, he was hired by the Euless Police Department. Corporal Tice served as a field training officer and bicycle patrol officer before being promoted to Corporal in 1993. In 2002, he was assigned to the Tarrant County Regional Auto Theft Task Force before returning to the patrol division, where he still serves today. Throughout his 34 years in law enforcement, Corporal Tice received over 50 commendations and was honored with the department's Distinguished Service Award. He holds a Master Police Officer license and completed specialized training in areas such as basic bicycle tactics, intermediate accident investigations, mental health peace officer certification, and crisis intervention training. Corporal Tice's proactive approach to law enforcement resulted in numerous felony arrests, and his compassion for victims of crime was evident in every interaction. He consistently went above and beyond the call of duty, ensuring that those in need received the help and support they deserved. Corporal Tice's service has made a profound difference in the lives of many, and I express my deepest gratitude for his dedication to our community. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Euless Police Sergeant Todd Bellah, whose dedicated service in law enforcement has made a lasting impact on our community and the officers he served alongside. After graduating from Haltom High School, Sergeant Bellah pursued a degree in criminal justice from Tarleton State University and Tarrant County College. Committed to continuous learning and professional excellence, he earned a Master Peace Officer license and a series of specialized certifications, including Basic-Advanced SWAT, Basic- Advanced Police Sniper, SWAT Instructor, Sniper Instructor, Master TCOLE Instructor, Firearms Instructor-Range Master, and Department Master Armorer. His extensive expertise in tactical operations and instruction has been invaluable to his colleagues and the law enforcement profession. Before his career in law enforcement, Sergeant Bellah honed his skills in machining, working at George Conover Tool & Manufacturing, Allen Duncan Company, and later Bose Machine Company. In 1991, he answered the call to public service, joining the City of Euless as a Public Service Officer. His leadership earned him steady promotions, becoming a police officer in March 1992 and moving up the ranks to Corporal, Senior Police Corporal, and, ultimately, Sergeant in 2015. Throughout his tenure, Sergeant Bellah served in a variety of critical roles, including assignments in patrol, the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), and the Auto Theft Task Force. His expertise and leadership were particularly evident during his 23 years with the Euless Tactical Team and the Joint SWAT Team (NETCAST), where he held his final assignment as Assistant Commander. His contributions to these specialized units enhanced the safety and security of both his fellow officers and the community he faithfully served. He has been honored with numerous accolades, including Officer of the Year, the Life-Saving Award, multiple Certificates of Merit, and the prestigious Supervisor of the Year award reflecting his commitment to excellence and his courage in the face of danger. Sergeant Bellah's career is a testament to the values of integrity and leadership, he will be greatly missed. I congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement, I wish him the best as he embarks on this new journey.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dallas native Nicole Small. She has gone above and beyond to improve our community, dedicating her time to civic leadership through philanthropy and science innovation. As CEO of LH Capital and Lyda Hill Philanthropies (LHP), she's shaping the future of science, technology, and nature Nicole is building a strong biotech hub in North Texas, including through the development and expansion of Pegasus Park. Through her work at LHP, Nicole co-founded the IF/THEN initiative to encourage women and girls to pursue STEM careers. As part of this, Small is also an Executive Producer of CBS's Mission Unstoppable. Nicole's leadership at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a further testament to her ability to bring communities together and create a lasting impact. She raised over $200 million to merge three museums into one and led the Perot Museum into a new era of excellence. Most recently, she was honored by Texas Woman's University as the 2025 Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award. I thank Nicole for her continued dedication to improving our community.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Euless Police Department Senior Officer Carlos Peralez for his service to our community and country. He proudly served our country in the United States Army for six years, with three years of active duty and three years in the reserves, before joining the Euless Police Department in April 1997. Officer Peralez has exemplified excellence and leadership throughout his career in law enforcement. He has served in various divisions, including patrol and criminal investigations, held key roles as a crime scene technician, bicycle unit officer, and crisis negotiator for the Euless SWAT team, and served on the North East Tarrant County Area SWAT Team His dedication to public service extends beyond tactical operations--Officer Peralez became a School Resource Officer to build strong relationships between the police and youth in our community. As a neighborhood police officer with the community services division, he works to foster trust in our community through the Euless Police Inspiring Champions (EPIC) program where he and fellow officers visit local elementary schools, joining physical education classes to build connections with students and staff. Officer Peralez earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Columbia College and holds a Master Peace Officer certification. He has received numerous commendations and accolades, including the prestigious David Hofer Servant Leadership Award and the City Employee of the Month in September 2004 and January 2021. In his free time, Officer Peralez continues to embrace the values of community and family that have defined his career and life, including spending time with his family, enjoying the outdoors, and raising cattle. As Officer Peralez begins his well-deserved retirement, I thank him for his devoted service to protecting our North Texas community and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Euless Police Department Senior Corporal William ``Bill'' Norwood in recognition of his more than three decades of service to our North Texas community and country. Corporal Norwood's career in public service began in the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably for six years and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He provided security at American embassies in Ankara, Turkey, and Mexico City, Mexico, and completed a special assignment in West Africa with the U.S. Department of State. Corporal Norwood's military background laid the foundation for a lifetime of leadership and service, and he has used those lessons to make a lasting impact on his colleagues and citizens across North Texas. In June 1991, Norwood joined the Euless Police Department and quickly rose through the ranks, achieving Corporal in July 1995 and Senior Corporal in January 2015. Throughout his career, he took on roles in the bicycle patrol, criminal investigations, the narcotics task force, and as a field training officer. Corporal Norwood also served with distinction on the Northeast Tarrant County Area SWAT Team (NETCAST) as a sniper and an entry team operator. In his current role, he works as a first-line supervisor in the criminal investigation division, where his leadership and expertise continue to inspire those around him. Corporal Norwood pursued extensive training, specializing in Identity Kit System of Facial Identification, Raid Planning & High-Risk Warrant Preparation, the Texas Narcotic Control Program, and Basic Instruction. He holds a Master Peace Officer certification and is a TCOLE-certified firearms instructor, showcasing his commitment to professional development and public safety. Norwood has been recognized on multiple occasions, including a commendation by the U.S. Marshals Service Office in 1991 for assisting in the apprehension of a federal fugitive, recognition as Employee of the Month in July 1995 and April 2013, and achieving the Distinguished Service of the Year (Sworn) Award in 2012. As a proud member of the Euless Police Department Honor Guard, Bill has always represented his department with dignity and pride. Beyond his professional achievements, Corporal Norwood is a devoted family man who enjoys spending time with loved ones and is an avid outdoorsman. As he begins his well-deserved retirement, I thank him for his decades of service to our community and country.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Corporal Donald ``Don'' Graves, a Fort Worth resident and distinguished World War II veteran. Graves left high school in 1942 at just 17 years old to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps, inspired by his father's service. He served as a flamethrower in the Second Battalion of the 28th Marine Regiment of Iwo Jima. Of the 335 Marines that landed on the island, only 18, including Graves, made it off. His strength and courage were displayed as he survived the intense, three-day long battle, climbing toward the top of Mount Suribachi. On the third day, Graves and his fellow Marines climbed to the summit before reaching the top and raising the U.S. flag. Graves served for four years, leaving the service for civilian life after the war ended It was in the heat of battle for Iwo Jima that he discovered his faith, leading him to serve in the ministry for 32 years. As Graves celebrates his 100th birthday later this year, we honor his incredible journey I thank Corporal Graves for his service and the lasting impact he has made on our country.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Wayne Pavlik from the Euless Police Department on his 36 years of service to North Texas. Captain Pavlik began his public safety career at Sears Department Store, where he monitored security cameras and handled fraudulent checks before joining the Euless Police Department in 1989. He quickly rose through the ranks--promoted to Corporal in 1993, Sergeant in 1997, Lieutenant in 2004, and Captain in 2022. His time with the Euless Police Department is both vast and varied, serving as a tactical team member, bike officer, and field training officer, commanding the patrol and criminal investigations divisions, supervising the Traffic and the Citizens Police Academy, and consistently demonstrating his expertise across all areas of law enforcement. In his role as Captain, he oversees critical jail operations and records, as well as 9-1-1 communications. Captain Pavlik received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he was a Division I Collegiate basketball player, and his master's degree from the University of North Texas. He also graduated from the HEB Chamber of Commerce's Leadership HEB and the 41st Management College at the Institute of Law Enforcement Administration. Pavlik's education has been the foundation for his role as a Master Peace Officer and his status as a highly respected leader in law enforcement. He has received numerous commendations, including Supervisor of the Year in 2006 and the Certificate of Merit Award in 2003, while remaining active in fundraising for the Special Olympics and YMCA youth basketball. I thank Captain Pavlik for his dedication to protecting and serving our North Texas community. I congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Leonardo Mendoza, a distinguished law enforcement professional and United States Air Force veteran, for his decades of service to our community and our Nation. With over 23 years of dedicated service in immigration enforcement, operations leadership, and national security, Mr. Mendoza has been an integral part of protecting our country through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Mr. Mendoza developed a foundation in discipline, leadership, and mission execution early on, serving six years in the United States Air Force before joining ICE. In his current role as a Detention and Deportation Officer, he leads the development and execution of national training programs at ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Academy. Throughout his career, he spearheaded the creation of a nationally standardized On-the-Job Training Program enhancing field training effectiveness, designed and implemented a national Train-the-Trainer program aligned with strategic objectives of the Warrant Service Officer Program, and supervised the Criminal Alien Program (CAP) team increasing arrest efficiency and enforcement actions against high-priority targets. Additionally, he played an instrumental role in securing a search warrant in collaboration with an Assistant U.S. Attorney that led to the seizure of heroin and firearms from an aggravated felon. Mr. Mendoza's leadership played a crucial role in developing collaborations between Department of Homeland Security leadership, field operations, and private sector partners. His work has improved our national security and operational readiness within ICE. Beyond his technical and strategic contributions, Mr. Mendoza has served as a dedicated mentor, guiding the next generation of law enforcement professionals toward excellence. Leonardo Mendoza's long career has made our country safer and our law enforcement professionals stronger I thank Mr. Mendoza for his distinguished service to the United States, and congratulate him on his well-earned retirement.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, 17-year-old Thomas Paskvan from Southlake. Thomas achieved remarkable success in the world of fiddling, securing another first- place victory at the 2025 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Fiddle Showdown. He began his musical journey at the age of three with the violin, switching to the fiddle 10 years ago and immersing himself in the vibrant world of country tunes. His dedication paid off when he took home a $2,500 scholarship, a coveted belt buckle, and an invitation to a one-day master class at the Texas Fiddle Clinic. The competition offers a platform for young fiddlers to showcase their talents while keeping the tradition of Texas fiddling alive. Contestants are required to prepare a mix of fast-paced breakdowns, waltzes, and a tune of their choosing, demonstrating their versatility and musical prowess. Beyond his accolades, Thomas finds value in the camaraderie and relaxed atmosphere of the competition that allows contestants to connect and enjoy the experience together. This sense of community, alongside his musical achievements, highlights his talent and appreciation for the people and traditions that shaped his journey in the world of music. I congratulate Thomas on his victory. I thank him for inspiring young musicians not only across our community, but the entire Lone Star State.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science senior, Anirudh Mazumder. Anirudh's desire to serve others began in childhood, inspired by summers spent with his grandparents, where he learned the power of community involvement. This early influence motivated him to work toward unlocking the potential of our North Texas community, including through participating in our Congressional Youth Advisory Council. After witnessing a family member's struggle to find a kidney donor, Anirudh co-founded KidneyChain LLC to address the inefficiencies in organ matching, aiming to save lives by preventing organ waste, and he currently serves on the National Kidney Association's Advisory Committee. Anirudh later participated in the Colleyville Chamber of Commerce's Youth Leadership Program, where he noticed a decline in youth volunteerism, prompting him to launch his ``Rise and Serve'' initiative that has engaged nearly 100 young North Texans. To help build excitement and interest in public service, Anirudh created a website and podcast series featuring local leaders to showcase service opportunities and highlight success stories. I thank Anirudh for his dedication to engaging North Texans in public service. Our community's future looks brighter than ever thanks to young leaders like him.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Joe DePinto. Joe has made a profound impact on North Texas through his leadership in business and community service. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, his career has been guided by his early lessons of discipline, strategy, and teamwork. After serving as an officer in the U.S. Army's Field Artillery branch, Joe transitioned to the corporate world. As the CEO of Irving- based 7-Eleven, he led the company to achieve unprecedented growth and modernization, driving job creation and economic development in North Texas. Beyond his corporate success, Joe has been a strong and consistent advocate for America's military families, veterans, and education. His leadership talents aren't limited to corporate boardrooms--Joe has held key roles with organizations like the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund and the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, working to improve the lives of many. In recognition of his selfless personal sacrifices and unwavering commitment to supporting our military and veterans, Joe recently received the Sam Johnson Defender of Freedom Award. Joe's contributions reflect the values of service and leadership that make our North Texas community so special. Whether through corporate initiatives or personal advocacy, Joe continues to set an example of how business leaders can drive positive change.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, St. Ann Magi Ministry in Coppell. More than 30 years ago, St. Ann Catholic Parish began its Magi Ministry, giving 100 gifts to those who would have otherwise gone without. Over the years, the ministry has grown to be one of the most important parts of the parish's Christmas season. More than 3,400 children, seniors, seminarians, and families received Christmas gifts this year thanks to the generosity of parishioners. Beginning the weekend before Thanksgiving, parish members can choose an ornament from a tree around the church. Each ornament contains a gift request from a child in the St. Ann community, residents of Hillcrest and Ewing Houses, as well as children from Blessed Sacrament. The volunteers at Magi Ministry collect, sort, and wrap the gifts before individually delivering them to their recipients. My heartfelt thanks go out to St. Ann volunteers for spreading Christmas love and cheer throughout our community. They are a shining example of what makes North Texas great.