OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Colonel Charles and Joanne Powell Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic

Floor Speech

By: Mike Bost
By: Mike Bost
Date: Sept. 19, 2022
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2771. This bill names the VA community-based outpatient clinic, or CBOC, in San Angelo, Texas, after Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell.

Charles Powell graduated from the Naval Academy and went on to spend three decades in the Air Force. In that time, he deployed twice to Vietnam, served as commander of Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, and eventually attained the rank of colonel.

While not a veteran herself, his wife, JoAnne Powell, was, as the Disabled American Veterans, Department of Texas, put it, a force all her own. During her husband's time as commanding officer of Goodfellow, she revived the Officers Wives Club, started a Christmas bazaar program that continues to this day, supported efforts to prevent the base from closing, and actively volunteered for the local charities and helped families of servicemembers who were prisoners of war or missing in action.

For her efforts, she was honored at the Goodfellow Air Force Base with a lifetime achievement award. JoAnne also spent almost 40 years working for her local Congressmen, helping thousands of servicemembers, veterans, and military families.

This bill fulfills the committee's naming criteria. It has the full support of the Texas congressional delegation, local VSOs, and the veteran community in and around San Angelo.

I particularly recognize the hard work and leadership of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Pfluger), my friend, and the Senate sponsor of this bill, Senator Cornyn. They have been relentless in their advocacy for the bill so that Charles and JoAnne's incredible legacy will finally receive the recognition it deserves. I thank them both.

Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill today.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Pfluger).

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Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman.

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Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, in closing, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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