Beth Van Duyne

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th District of Texas, the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Lieutenant Colonel Curtis Chastain, United States Air Force, of Fort Worth, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community. Lieutenant Colonel Chastain served with distinction in the United States Air Force for more than three decades, including active duty, Reserve, and Air National Guard service. Following in the footsteps of his late father, a fighter test pilot and astronaut who died in an aviation accident when Curtis was nine, he became a C-141 Starlifter transport and instructor pilot. He supported operations during Desert Storm, conflicts in Panama and Bosnia, operations in Somalia and Afghanistan, and multiple classified missions. He also served with the 238th Air Support Operations Squadron, contributing to specialized air- ground operations and mission readiness. After initially retiring in 2006, he returned to the Mississippi Air National Guard and served until October 2018. His numerous decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, two Air Force Commendation Medals, Air Force Achievement Medal, three Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star, Southwest Asia Service Medal with three bronze service stars, Antarctica Service Medal, and Kuwait Liberation Medal. Throughout his military career and beyond, Lieutenant Colonel Chastain remained committed to aviation and education. As an Air Force Academy Liaison Officer for ten years, he mentored aspiring cadets and helped numerous students earn appointments to the Academy. He also guided future aviators as an international airline captain, test pilot, and flight instructor. His dedication to young people extends throughout North Texas. He served as Vice President of the Northwest Independent School District PTA, a substitute teacher, and Chairman of its Watch D.O.G.S. program. He has volunteered with Pilots for Kids, supporting hospitalized children, and the Big Brothers Association; taught firearms and hunter safety; and supported wildlife conservation through the Texas Bighorn Society. Lieutenant Colonel Chastain's distinguished military career and enduring commitment to mentorship, education, and community service reflect the highest traditions of the United States Air Force and bring great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th District of Texas, the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Captain Joseph Fox, United States Army, of Dallas, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community. Captain Fox graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1974 and served honorably in the United States Army for five years as a Field Artillery Officer. Throughout his military career, he held numerous leadership positions, including Company Executive Officer, Assistant Brigade Personnel Officer, Company Commander, and Aide-de-Camp to both the Deputy Commanding General and Commanding General at Fort Dix, New Jersey. His exemplary performance and dedication to duty earned him the National Defense Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. Following his military service, Captain Fox built a distinguished career in labor relations, human resources, and employment law, serving in leadership positions with major corporations and law firms. For more than two decades, he has served as Vice President and Chief Counsel of Global Labor and Employment Law for Celanese Corporation. Alongside his professional accomplishments, he has remained deeply committed to supporting veterans and military families, leading the company's Veterans Employee Resource Group and subsequently serving as its Dallas Site sponsor. Through these efforts, he has coordinated charitable support for numerous veteran-focused organizations, including Defenders of Freedom, the Boots to Heels program, and Paws of Honor. Captain Fox's dedication to those who serve extends throughout the North Texas community. For more than fifteen years, he has been an active member of the Rockwall Band of Brothers and Sisters, supporting initiatives such as Carry The Load and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. He has also served on Congressional Service Academy Nomination Boards for three Members of Congress, helping identify and encourage the next generation of military leaders. Through his mentorship of students pursuing ROTC, direct commissioning, and appointments to the United States Service Academies, he continues to instill the principles of duty, honor, and service that have guided his own life. Captain Fox's distinguished military service and enduring commitment to veterans, military families, and future generations reflect the highest traditions of the United State Army and bring great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th District of Texas, the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Major Richard Jones, United States Air Force, of Grapevine, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community. Major Jones served with distinction in the United States Air Force for twenty years, beginning as an enlisted Airman before earning his commission and becoming a military aviator. He accumulated approximately 10,000 flight hours and served as an Operations Officer with the 1605th Air Base Wing under Military Airlift Command. His decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster. He retired as a Major in 1972. Following his retirement, Major Jones devoted decades to civic leadership and volunteerism in Grapevine. He served on the Executive Board of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce, worked as a Chamber Ambassador, and graduated from Leadership Grapevine. Alongside his wife, Paula, he volunteered at city festivals, including co-chairing the 2010 Grapevine Main Street Days Festival. As an original member of the Grapevine Wine Pouring Society, he also helped promote the Texas wine industry through community events. A longtime member and Paul Harris Fellow of the Grapevine Rotary Club, Major Jones has supported civic initiatives and international fellowship. As an original member of Grapevine's Sister Cities program, he fostered relationships with communities in Mexico and Austria. He also served for years as a volunteer docent at the Grapevine History Museum and, alongside Paula, was named a Lifetime Member of the Grapevine Historical Society in 2024. Major Jones has continued supporting the military community through the Military Officers Association of America and the Order of Daedalians, where he served as Scholarship Chairman for at least five years, recognizing local high school ROTC students. His decades of service have strengthened Grapevine and inspired his family to follow his example. Major Jones's distinguished military career and lifelong dedication to his community, fellow veterans, and future generations reflect the highest traditions of the United States Air Force and bring great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th District of Texas, the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Lieutenant Commander Mark Sandlin, United States Navy, of Bedford, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community. Lieutenant Commander Sandlin served with distinction in the United States Navy from 1982 to 1998 as a Naval Flight Officer and F-14 Tomcat Radar Intercept Officer. He accumulated more than 1,600 flight hours, including 110 in combat, and completed 330 carrier landings, including 136 at night. During combat operations in the Arabian Gulf, he led the planning, training, and execution of tactical strikes involving twenty aircraft. His leadership in twenty-eight combat missions earned him the Air Medal. His decorations also include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, and the Navy Achievement Medal. As Director of Combat Search and Rescue Training, Lieutenant Commander Sandlin authored the Navy's first updated tactical doctrine in fifteen years and personally trained more than 3,000 Naval Aviators and SEALs. Aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, he oversaw training for approximately 5,700 personnel and helped coordinate the evacuation of approximately 5,000 civilians following the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines. He later served as Deputy Planning Chief at U.S. Strategic Command, contributing to national defense planning. Following retirement, Lieutenant Commander Sandlin continued his dedication to education and mentorship, having taught more than 20,000 students across his military and civilian careers. From 2013 to 2017, he volunteered more than 1,700 hours at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, developing educational programs, training volunteers, and co-chairing its Education Committee. His contributions earned the Library's Distinguished Service Award, its highest honor. After earning a STEM Master of Business Administration from Texas Tech University in 2017 as the top graduate in his cohort, he continued mentoring undergraduate and graduate students at Texas Tech and Rice University. Lieutenant Commander Sandlin's distinguished military career, courageous combat service, and enduring commitment to education and mentorship reflect the highest traditions of the United States Navy and bring great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th District of Texas, the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Sergeant First Class Angelo Winfield, United States Army, of Hurst, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community. Sergeant First Class Winfield served honorably in the United States Army and Army Reserve for more than twenty-two years, from 1981 to 2003. Rising through the enlisted ranks, he held leadership positions in medical administration, operational readiness, training, and personnel support. His assignments included the 351st Surgical Hospital, the 877th Quartermaster Company, and overseas service in El Salvador. He also assumed responsibilities in unit mobilization, safety, and family readiness, demonstrating versatility and dedication to his fellow soldiers. At the 351st Surgical Hospital, Sergeant First Class Winfield earned recognition for improving patient administration, strengthening readiness, and contributing to outstanding command inspection results. His decorations include multiple Army Achievement Medals, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, and the Army Overseas Service Ribbon, alongside numerous commendations. He also received recognition for his volunteer support of soldiers and families through the Family Readiness Group. Following retirement, Sergeant First Class Winfield continued serving others as an information technology consultant and business owner, donating networking equipment to local nonprofits. He served on a homeless shelter's executive board, volunteered as a Big Brother mentor, and welcomed children into his home as a foster parent. He also coached YMCA basketball, supported Scouting, mentored high school students, and helped secure a playground grant for a charter school, where he assisted with construction. His dedication continues through longtime volunteer service at Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County, where he serves meals and supports individuals experiencing homelessness. As a church elder, he also provides leadership and mentorship through his church's men's ministry. His compassion and willingness to serve continue to strengthen families and communities across North Texas. Sergeant First Class Winfield's honorable military service and lifelong commitment to supporting fellow service members, strengthening families, and uplifting those in need reflect the highest traditions of the United States Army and bring great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dispatcher Beverly Williams on the occasion of her retirement from the Euless Police Department, after more than 24 years of dedicated service in law enforcement and public safety. Beverly began her career on July 18, 2002, as a records clerk with the Abilene Police Department, where she served until January 16, 2005. She later joined the Euless Police Department on January 8, 2007, as a dispatcher, a position she has faithfully held for nearly two decades. Throughout her career, Beverly has played an important role in supporting law enforcement officers, coordinating emergency responses, and serving the residents of her community. Beverly's dedication and professionalism have earned her numerous recognitions throughout her career. She was named the City of Euless Employee of the Month in January 2016 and May 2023 and was nominated for Civilian of the Year in both 2008 and 2014. She also received the Civilian Distinguished Service Award in 2011, the Silent Hero Certificate of Achievement in 2010, and the Communication Center Unit Citation in 2014. These honors, along with her many letters of commendation, reflect her commitment to excellence and the lasting impact of her service. As Beverly begins her well-deserved retirement, I want to congratulate her on an exceptional career and thank her for her many years of dedicated service to the Euless Police Department and our community.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Senior Chief Petty Officer Dennis Standish on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Navy after 26 years of honorable service to our Nation. Senior Chief Standish began his military career in February 1996, completing recruit training at Great Lakes, Illinois, followed by submarine and technical training in Groton, Connecticut. He was subsequently assigned to USS Tucson (SSN 770), where he completed multiple deployments throughout the Pacific, earned his Submarine Warfare qualification, and participated in critical undersea operations. Following his active-duty service, Senior Chief Standish continued his commitment to our Nation through the Navy Reserve. Throughout his distinguished career, he supported Naval Special Warfare, submarine operations, and theater undersea warfare missions across the Pacific, Middle East, and Indian Ocean. His service included supporting counter- piracy operations aboard a Turkish warship and assisting with the rapid restoration of communications capabilities aboard USS Porter (DDG 78) following an at-sea collision. In recognition of his leadership and dedication, he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer in September 2018 and Senior Chief Petty Officer in July 2021. His final assignment with Navy Reserve Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Headquarters, in Norfolk, Virginia, marked the conclusion of a remarkable career dedicated to strengthening our Nation's naval readiness and security. Senior Chief Standish's 26 years of service reflect an unwavering commitment to duty, exceptional leadership, and devotion to the United States Navy. His contributions to our Nation's defense and undersea warfare capabilities have left a lasting impact on those he served alongside and the missions he supported. I would like to congratulate Senior Chief Petty Officer Dennis Standish on his well-deserved retirement and express my sincere gratitude for his 26 years of dedicated service to our great Nation. I wish him all the best as he begins this next chapter of his life.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Detective Wan Lee upon his retirement after more than 31 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, including more than 30 years serving the Grapevine community. Detective Lee began his law enforcement career in 1995 with the Royse City Police Department before joining the Grapevine Police Department in 1996. Throughout his distinguished career with the Grapevine Police Department, Detective Lee served in Patrol and took on numerous specialized assignments. He served as a Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, and Defensive Tactics Instructor, helping train and mentor fellow officers. He also served on the SWAT Team and later joined the Motor Unit, where he became a certified Accident Reconstructionist. In 2014, Detective Lee began serving as a Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration. During his time with the DEA, he became a certified member of the agency's Special Response Team and served on its high-risk warrant team. For more than three decades, Detective Lee has demonstrated professionalism, dedication, courage, and an unwavering commitment to protecting and serving others. His willingness to pursue specialized training, take on challenging assignments, and mentor fellow law enforcement professionals has left a lasting impact on the Grapevine Police Department and the communities he has served. As Detective Wan Lee begins his well-earned retirement, I extend my sincere gratitude for his many years of service to our community and congratulate him on an exceptional career in law enforcement.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I use today to recognize Knot Your Average Boys, a group of students at Coppell High School led by senior Prajit Sreenivas. Together, they crochet baby caps and blankets for patients at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas. Veer Talsania, a former patient at Scottish Rite, participates in Knot Your Average Boys as an opportunity to give back to the hospital that cared for him. All five members are in the percussion section of the Coppell High School band and crocheting reminds them of performing together, a chance to build something bigger than themselves. I thank Prajit, Veer, Jayden, Satvik, and Arnav of Knot your Average Boys, for giving back to our community in such a creative way.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, the Grapevine Police Department, as they have protected our North Texas Community since 1907. The Department has grown right alongside the city, expanding the Department to 219 employees, which includes 110 sworn officers. The Grapevine Police ``star'' patch was added to the uniform in 1963 and contains the phrase ``Sine Cera'' or ``Sincerely Yours, With Honesty.'' A symbol that represents the dedication that these men and women have to the city and their fellow officers. Whether responding to emeigencies, engaging with families at community events, or hosting a fun Trunk or Treat for a night of safe fun for local kids, the Grapevine Police Department continues to go above and beyond for the people they serve. We thank them every day for keeping our North Texas community safe.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, the Methodist Health System Mobile Mammography Unit, which has been across North Texas, bringing breast cancer screenings directly to our communities. They partner with local schools, businesses, community centers, churches, and clinics, making it more convenient for women to access the care they need, bringing care options directly to patients. Tools like the Mobile Mammography Unit help ensure that more women get screened and can catch any issues early, early detection can save lives. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month and always, we thank them for going the extra mile to keep North Texas healthy.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, the Irving Police Department, who keep our community safe day in and day out. The Irving PD welcomed new Officers to the force, as well as celebrated multiple well-deserved promotions. I congratulate Senior Communications Officer Sias, who was promoted to Emergency Communications Supervisor, Sergeant Jones, who was promoted to Lieutenant, and Officers Lemarie, Williams, Johnson, Seaton, and Reyes, who were all promoted to the rank of Sergeant. We also want to welcome Officers Bodine, Flint, Guerrero, Sanchez, and lateral addition Officer Flores, as they take this step in their careers in public service. We wish them the very best in their career in law enforcement. We thank all those who serve the Irving Police Department for their dedication and service to our North Texas community.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Heather Torres. Every Fall, Heather transforms porches across North Texas and beyond into festive autumn displays. Heather started decorating her own porch in 2013, a fun hobby that quickly grew into something more. In 2020, she launched Porch Pumpkins, hoping to decorate porches for friends and family, but through word of mouth, she ended up delivering and designing for over 250 homes. After her first year, Heather expanded her festive designs to Houston, and this year expanded to Austin. Her creations have become a staple across our Noah Texas communities This past year they had then biggest season yet. From a personal passion for pumpkins, to a thriving small business that spreads joy throughout North Texas, we enjoy watching Heather's success glow each year. I thank Heather for bringing fall cheer across North Texas, one pumpkin at a time.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Angie Manriquez. Since 1999, Angie has dedicated her time and energy to improving the well-being of neglected and stray animals in Dallas. In 2008, she established Angie's Friends, a nonprofit focused on providing food, medical care, and adoptions for animals in need. Her efforts have connected countless dogs and cats with new homes. Often called ``The Fairy Dogmother of Dallas,'' Angie is known for her commitment to long-term solutions that make a lasting impact. Today, Angie's Friends continues its mission through volunteer support and community partnerships. I thank Angie and her team for continuing to serve our community.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, the Irving Fire Department. For over 100 years, they have watched over our community, protecting families, homes, and businesses. Since 1925, generations of firefighters have answered the call to serve. Their service has helped to keep North Texas safe for a century. Their legacy continues to inspire the next generation, as over 1,100 recruits signed up to take the department's entrance exam. This response to the open call for new recruits shows how many lives have been inspired to pursue a career in public service. The Irving Fire Department's commitment to serving our community ensures that our families can feel safe when it matters most. We are grateful for their dedicated service over the past 100 years, and know they will continue to protect our community for generations to come.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Sergeant First Class Angelo Winfield, a Hurst native who honorably served our Nation for 22 years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves, achieving the rank of E7/SFC before his retirement. During his time in the Army, he earned his degree and led to a career in the IT field. After retirement, Angelo continued his career as an IT consultant in the Dallas area, running his own business, and donating network equipment to local nonprofits. He has always been dedicated to giving back to his community from serving on the executive board for a homeless shelter, to being a Big Brother mentor, and a foster parent. He remains involved in our North Texas community by volunteering weekly at a local homeless shelter and leading a group at his church. I thank Angelo for his service to our country, his continued dedication to helping out others, and for the support he shows to our local veterans.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Jules Peterson. She is the Founder and Director of Loving Long Ears Donkey Therapy & Sanctuary in Southlake. Since 2017, Loving Long Ears has been a sanctuary for donkeys that have been neglected, abused, or surrendered, giving them not just a new home, but also a new purpose. They serve as one of only four donkey rescues in the United States, and the only one that also offers a therapy program. Through Jules' dedication, she has built a place where rescued donkeys are rehabilitated and trained as therapy animals. These gentle companions now bring peace, comfort, and healing to veterans, first responders, children, and adults. We thank Jules for dedicating her time, energy, and heart to creating Loving Long Ears Donkey Therapy & Sanctuary.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Catherine ``Cat'' Johnson, a Southlake native and a Shelton School alumna, who recently began her journey at Texas Tech University. She has earned national recognition for her leadership and service to our North Texas community. This summer, Cat created take-home meal kits that ensured the children would have access to healthy meals over the weekend if their families were suffering from financial hardships. Cat worked with GRACE in Grapevine to bring her project, ``Feed our Kids Weekend Edition'' to life. This project led to her earning the Girl Scouts Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting from the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains. In recognition for her impact in the community in helping address childhood hunger she received a $5,000 national scholarship from Girl Scouts of the USA. I congratulate Cat on this recognition for her service to our community and wish her the best in her year ahead at Texas Tech University.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Angelo Renda. He is a three-year letterman and one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Southlake Carroll history. He guided the Dragons to back-to-back District 4-6A championships and has a remarkable 28-1 record. His junior year he helped lead Southlake Carroll to a 6A Division II UIL Texas State runner-up finish. Angelo is the all-time passing yards leader in Carroll Dragons history, finishing his high school career with 524 completions for 8,197 yards and 93 touchdowns. We can't wait to watch his journey continue at the University of Pittsburgh, and to see him succeed with Panthers like he has with the Dragons.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Southlake Carroll Dragons Volleyball team, as they made history, claiming their first-ever Class 6A Division II State Championship in a five-set victory over Austin High School. This was their first finals appearance in 27 years and this time, they secured the long awaited title! Congratulations to the Dragons and their head coach, Leslie Jackson, for an unforgettable season and for bringing home a historic state championship to Southlake.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Barrett Knetsch, a Euless native, who has been giving back to our North Texas community since the age of four, when he first shaved his head to raise money for pediatric cancer charities. Now at sixteen, he has continued this tradition for twelve consecutive years and has raised more than $100,000 to support children battling cancer. Currently a student at St. Mark's School of Texas, Barrett participates in student council, choir, and varsity sports. Yet, he still finds time to rally his friends, family, and local businesses around this important cause. He also extends his commitment to service by volunteering at the Euless Community Center, helping at local Habitat for Humanity construction projects, and assisting at local food distribution centers. Barrett is setting a wonderful example for all of North Texas. His commitment shows how one person's determination can uplift an entire community.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Heros, the University of North Texas at Dallas, in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank for their annual Thanksgiving distribution. This past year, they brought vital support to our community. Thanks to dedicated student volunteers, nearly 1,000 North Texas families received food to help them prepare for the holiday. Each family was provided a turkey, approximately 60 pounds of groceries, and thermal clothing for the colder months ahead. We are very grateful for the volunteers who serve our neighbors with compassion. North Texans continue to show up for one another, and events like this highlight the generosity of our community year after year.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Light the World Giving Machine, which returned to North Texas this past holiday season, turning generosity into action across our communities. These red vending machines allow donors to give meaningful items, like warm clothing, meals, medical supplies, and even livestock, to local and global charities serving those most in need. The Giving Machines ensure that 100 percent of every donation goes directly to charity, with all operating costs covered. In 2024, Giving Machines placed in three North Texas cities helped raise more than $600,000, proving once again that when North Texans come together, the impact is powerful and far-reaching.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Sergeant Charles ``Alan'' Works. He dedicated his life to public service, beginning his law enforcement career in 2007 with the Denton County Sheriff's Office. He later served with the Tarrant County College Police Department from 2013 to 2020, continuing his commitment to protect and serve. He joined the DFW Airport Police Department in 2020, and was promoted to sergeant in 2022. Sergeant Works was known by colleagues and travelers alike for his cowboy hat and the constant smile on his face. We are grateful for his years of service to Denton, Tarrant County, and DFW. We will remember Sergeant Works for the lasting impact he made through his dedication for serving our North Texas Community.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Lieutenant Colonel Don Black Munson, as he lived a life dedicated to serving our country. He was commissioned as an officer upon graduating from Tulane University in 1960 as a Distinguished Military Graduate. Over the course of a 22-year Army career, he served in numerous leadership roles, including with the 82nd Airborne Division, Special Forces, and the 1st Cavalry Division. During the Vietnam War, he commanded C Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, and later served as Operations Officer for the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry. He earned the Silver Star for capturing three enemy combatants under fire and the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in extracting stranded soldiers under intense enemy attack. Lieutenant Colonel Munson's decorations also include two Bronze Stars for Valor, eleven Air Medals, five Meritorious Service Medals, and the Purple Heart, as well as the Master Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and Pathfinder Badge. His dedication to service did not end with his military career. A longtime member and former commander of the Military Order of World Wars. We thank him for bravely serving our country and our community for many years.