Crisis At the Border

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ELLZEY. Madam Speaker, I come before the House of Representatives to recognize the Midlothian Innovative Learning Experience, or MILE, as the nonprofit of the year in 2021 for the city of Midlothian, Texas.

This is a state-of-the-art educational facility that is providing high school students with additional learning pathways throughout the community. Nonprofits are a fundamental part of America, and I thank Midlothian Innovative Learning Experience for their dedication to teaching the future generation.

It is important that we bring awareness to career and technical education so that people can learn about many different professions at a younger age. Career and technical education is a perfect way for students to apply what they are taught in school to a real-world environment.

MILE offers five career and technical education pathways: culinary arts, entrepreneurship, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, and cybersecurity. These programs provide students the opportunity to utilize industry-standard equipment and practices they have shown an interest in.

This unique learning space is able to replicate scenarios found in a professional, real-world working atmosphere. With the support from industry professionals, MILE is able to thrive and partner with Midlothian Independent School District.

It is an honor to represent this group of mentors who help contribute to the outstanding education found all around Texas' Sixth District. I thank them for all they do. Recognizing Orise Kopnak on Her 100th Birthday

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ELLZEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Orise Kopnak, who just celebrated her 100th birthday.

Twice a week, this Waxahachie, Texas, resident volunteers at Baylor Scott & White hospital to volunteer in the day surgery department waiting room. Since 2014, she has logged more than 2,400 hours of her personal time to encourage, serve, and assist people who are waiting for a loved one to come out of surgery.

Orise's faithfulness to stand with the families, friends, and caregivers of patients during anxious and often difficult circumstances is a testament to her character. Even during a pandemic, Orise continued to volunteer.

People like Orise Kopnak represent everything that is good about our country. America was built on the volunteer principle. It has been instrumental in our Nation's advancement and made us, as Americans, a strong and self-reliant people.

Ronald Reagan once said the volunteer spirit is the engine that drives the whole history of the United States. It is an extra dimension of faith, friendship, and brotherhood that makes us good neighbors and good people and made America a great country.

I thank Orise for showing us how it is done. There is a reason her generation has been dubbed the Greatest Generation. May God bless her as she continues to carry out one of life's greatest causes: serving others. Recognizing Demond Davis

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ELLZEY. Madam Speaker, I take this time to recognize one of my constituents, Ellis County Sheriff's Deputy Demond Davis.

Deputy Davis was new to the sheriff's force when he responded to a 10-200, which is a drug-related incident. Once he arrived, he witnessed a drug overdose. The individual was struggling, barely breathing, and his conditions were intensifying. Deputy Davis rushed to help and quickly administered Narcan nasal spray.

According to the account, the individual immediately started coming to. They were transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Waxahachie, where they received additional medical attention.

Deputy Davis' actions ensured another person did not fall victim to the opioid epidemic. Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman awarded the Life- Saving Award commendation and pin to Deputy Davis for his heroic actions.

Drug overdoses, especially from fentanyl, have become more prevalent in the U.S. Deputy Davis and his fellow law enforcement officers are our front line in responding to this terrible crisis. We cannot thank our law enforcement and first responders enough. America needs more heroes like Deputy Demond Davis. Congratulating Timothy Redhair

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ELLZEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate a resident of Waxahachie, Texas, Timothy Redhair, who was promoted to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve this month.

Colonel Redhair has a long and distinguished career in the military while also being a steward of our community.

As a lieutenant colonel, he commanded the 2nd Battalion, 132nd Infantry Regiment of the Texas Army National Guard and later had the opportunity to lead the Headquarters Battalion of the Texas Army National Guard's 36th Infantry Division.

During the height of the pandemic, Colonel Redhair deployed with his division to Kuwait. After returning from the Middle East, Timothy joined the Army Reserve, where he serves as the emergency preparedness liaison officer for Texas.

When Colonel Redhair isn't protecting our community, he spends his time as an assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 520, Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts of America, where he trains young men and women to become our future leaders.

This commitment to our country and our community is outstanding, and I am glad to see such a worthy member of our community receive this honor.

I thank Colonel Redhair again for his service and congratulate him on his well-deserved promotion. In Support of Ukraine

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ELLZEY. It has been over 2 months since Russia invaded Ukraine. We are witnessing a war crime forced upon the people of Ukraine.

But from this tragedy we have seen great strength from the Ukrainian people, as well as a great deal of kindness and support from our fellow Americans.

In fact, throughout Texas District Six, you will see support with Ukrainian flags being flown and people donating their time to help the people of Ukraine. For example, Waxahachie's very own Gregg Burdette went with a nine-person team from Texas Baptist Men to assist with Ukrainian refugees in Poland.

Gregg's team spent 10 days volunteering in shelters and receiving and sorting donated materials. With volunteers from all over the world, they were able to help many families and children get food, supplies, and a good night's rest.

Gregg is not the only District Six native giving aid to Ukraine. Surepoint Medical Centers, a local free-standing emergency room chain based out of Mansfield, Texas, donated their own medical supplies to aid the people of Ukraine.

With the help of many District Six residents who work for Surepoint, they were able to send critical medical supplies that included tourniquets, bandages, and various other lifesaving items.

I am proud of the work and kindness not just from the people of District Six, but everyone else who has donated any time, supplies, or sent prayers to the Ukrainian people in their time of need.

My friend from Arizona, I appreciate you yielding me time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source