Joys and Concerns

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ELLZEY. Madam Speaker, thanks for sticking around.

In July, I addressed the House floor with my version of a speech my childhood pastor would give every Sunday called ``Joys and Concerns.'' During this, he would highlight some of the remarkable things that members of the church were doing and some of their many accomplishments. He would also take this time to bring up prayer requests to unite as a congregation and to pray for our community and those in need.

During my last speech, I followed his example, and I was able to bring attention to dozens of outstanding people living in Tarrant, Ellis, and Navarro Counties.

I also asked those in this Chamber and across our Nation to join in prayer to help many who were struggling.

Since that day, of course, a lot has happened, and my office has sent out hundreds of recognition letters across my district. Many constituents have written to my office to express their own joy or concern.

So, today, I come before the House of Representatives to, once again, follow in my pastor's footsteps and do my own version of ``Joys and Concerns.''

I think it is only fitting to start with those who give so much to us each and every day. October 28 is the day we set aside each year to celebrate and thank our first responders.

My district, District 6 of Texas, has 20 police departments, 13 fire departments, and 3 sheriff's offices, currently. In the new district, it will go to nine sheriff's offices.

Life as we know it would not be possible without the dedication that the brave men and women who serve in these departments exhibit each day.

It would take hours to list off each officer who serves us, and while I do not have time to do that today, nor would anybody want me to, I want to take a moment and recognize the leaders of each department.

Thank you to Chief Joe Wiser from Waxahachie, Carl Smith from Midlothian, Garland Wolf from Red Oak PD, Chief Dustin Munn from Ennis PD, John Thacker from Maypearl, Chief Tracy Aaron from Mansfield, Chief Scott McAuley from Italy, Chief Jesus Mancillas from Ferris, Chief Chris Amos from Milford, Chief John Zaidle from Palmer, Chief T.C. Lawhon from Blooming Grove, Chief Robert Johnson from Corsicana, Chief Scott Sykora from Dawson, Chief Charles Parson from Rice, Chief Daniel Scesney from Grand Prairie, Chief Roy Ivey from Kerens, Chief Al Jones from Arlington, Sheriff Brad Norman from Ellis County, Sheriff Elmer Tanner from Navarro County, Chief Bill Waybourn from Tarrant County, Chief Ricky Boyd from Waxahachie Fire, Chief Dale McCaskill from Midlothian Fire, Chief Ben Blanton from Red Oak, Chief Bill Evans from Ennis Fire, Chief Michael Ross from Mansfield Fire, Chief Jackie Cate from Italy Fire, Chief Brian Horton from Ferris Fire, Chief Mark Jackson from Milford Fire, Chief Kevin Rhoades from Palmer Fire, Chief Mike Ryan from Corsicana Fire, Chief Robert Fite from Grand Prairie Fire, Chief Don Crowson from Arlington Fire, and Chief Brandon Kennedy from the Ovilla Fire Department.

You all go above the call each and every day, and it is my honor to recognize you.

I also acknowledge the 30 applicants from Texas' Sixth Congressional District who want to serve in our Nation's military academies. It is an extreme honor as a 1992 Naval Academy graduate to pick the future generation of leaders for this country, both in the military and perhaps in statesmanship.

These men and women raised their hands and said, ``I am here. Send me,'' and I recognize them here: Lucy Ballard from Mansfield Legacy, Alexander Brough from Mansfield High, Jacob Brown from Mansfield Lake Ridge, Marshall Cloyd from St. Stephen's Episcopal, Michael Cook from Mansfield High, Austin Garcia from Midlothian High, Shania Grant from iSchool Virtual Academy of Texas, Reid Griffin from James W. Martin High, Joseph Gutierrez from Ennis High, Julia Helsel from Arlington High, Brett Hoelscher from Arlington High, Jared Howell from Mansfield Legacy, Alexander Huh from Lake Braddock Secondary, Hieu Huynh from Arlington Bowie, Brian Larson from Nolan Catholic High, Ezra Lee from James W. Martin High, Noah Loughlin from Mansfield Lake Ridge High, Giovanni Mancuso from Midlothian High, Caitlyn New from Palmer High, Asher Nguyen from James W. Martin High, Ricardo Olivares, Jr. from Flower Mound High, Austin Palacios from Arlington Lamar High, Troy Roberts, Jr. from All Saints Episcopal School, Madison Rodriguez from James W. Martin High School, Audrey Rowe from Nolan Catholic High, Bahij Said from Kennedale High, Orion Villarreal from Jesuit Dallas College Prep, Justin Walker from Kennedale High, and Rylan Woodward from Broadneck High.

These are all exceptional young men and women, and I want the American people to know, especially the people of Texas' Sixth District, that the future of our country is safe with young men and women like these.

Next, I recognize members of our community that have gone above and beyond.

James Reed, congratulations on being awarded Firefighter of the Year by the Corsicana Fire Rescue Department for 2022. Thank you for your sacrifices and for keeping our community safe.

Detective Sergeant Travis Thurston, congratulations on being awarded Corsicana Kiwanis Deputy of the Year for 2022. This award is a tribute to your courageous and selfless acts as a law enforcement officer.

This honor is well deserved, as you have shown exemplary contributions to law enforcement over the past year. Thank you for your service and for keeping our community safe.

Mattie Thayne: Congratulations on recently obtaining your Eagle Scout badge. The commitment, tenacity, integrity, and work ethic that are required to achieve the Boy Scouts of America's highest rank are invaluable qualities.

Keith Moore: Congratulations on being inducted into the Navarro College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022. Your hard work and dedication during the 1989 football season earned you and your teammates the first-ever NJCAA Team Championship for Navarro College. The effort that you put in to achieve a perfect 10-0 season is more than impressive, and I commend you on this distinguished award.

Joe Wiser: Congratulations on being named the new police chief in Waxahachie starting in October. This is such a vital liaison between the police department and the community. The citizens of Waxahachie are fortunate to have you with your leadership experience and familiarity with the area.

Jacen Stanford: Congratulations on your recent enlistment and the opportunities this brings for your future. You have taken a great oath, and with that comes great responsibility. Thank you for your willingness and commitment to serve in the United States Army and your noble desire to protect this great Nation and the men and women you stand beside. Godspeed, Jason.

Sandy Faussett-Stoops: Congratulations on the achievement of 900 career wins as a girls high school volleyball head coach. The many hours of practice and determination are reflected by your success on and off the court. There have been many exceptional volleyball players who have come through your program, and I know you have been very proud of all of them.

Dana Compton: Congratulations on being awarded Civilian of the Year by the Mansfield ISD Police Department. This honor recognizes your commitment to the community that will leave a lasting impact for many years to come. Leaders provide the structure and organization that others aspire to have. I know that your work in our community as a police dispatcher will inspire others to exhibit the same leadership qualities that have enabled you to become successful and a great citizen.

Officer Robert ``Sandy'' Blunck: Congratulations on being awarded Officer of the Year from Mansfield ISD Police Department for 2022. This award is a tribute to your sacrifice and courageous acts as a law enforcement officer. Thank you for your sacrifice and for keeping our community safe.

Brek Bradshaw: Congratulations on winning a book writing contest to have your book ``Chicken Bot and the Golden Egg'' published. I am pleased to hear about the talented young students in our community who commit time and dedication to leaving such a positive impact in their city for many years to come. We are truly blessed to have such an artistic and intelligent student represent Waxahachie ISD so well.

Charles Bush: Congratulations on being awarded Firefighter of the Year by the Navarro County Volunteer Firefighters Association for 2022. This award is a tribute to your courageous and selfless acts as a firefighter and first responder. Thank you for your sacrifice and for keeping our community safe.

Barbara Kelley: Congratulations on your retirement from being a distinguished police telecommunicator for DART and the Navarro County Sheriff's Office. The people of Navarro County greatly appreciate your years of service, and you will be missed tremendously. It is an honor to recognize you for your 35 years of public service in law enforcement. Your outstanding performance has helped strengthen the relationship between public officials and community members. Your hard work and dedication have inspired others to lead and follow your exceptional example. The numerous contributions you have made to this community will have a lasting impact for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, at this time I yield to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx.)

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Mr. ELLZEY. It is a pleasure.

Madam Speaker, continuing on with the folks whom we were talking about earlier:

I would like to recognize and congratulate Charles ``Chuck'' Beatty.

I congratulate you on having the new city hall annex in Waxahachie named after you. Your outstanding leadership and service to Waxahachie is greatly appreciated. You are a role model to your community, and I commend you on your willingness to serve and your dedication to our community.

Zane Petty: Congratulations on being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2022 MLB draft. Your hard work and dedication during this past baseball season have earned you a spot as one of the top DFW area athletes. I know you will be successful in your time in Major League Baseball, and I look forward to watching you play soon.

Mary Crowell: Congratulations on being awarded Volunteer of the Year for the Baylor, Scott & White Hospital Ladies Auxiliary for 2022. This award is a tribute to your courageous and selfless acts volunteering in healthcare and the exemplary contributions you have shown to the hospital over the past several months. Over the course of this year, you have served as a role model for many in the Ellis County area. Your many hours of service have strengthened the bonds and trust that have brought people together over the past year.

Calvin Simpson-Hunt: Congratulations on being named to the All- American Bowl for football this year. Your combination of character and athletic ability has allowed you to earn such an incredible honor that is well-deserved.

Danny Combs: Thank you for helping to start and continue the Kerens Veterans Memorial and Museum. The selflessness of veterans like yourself who answered our Nation's call to serve defines the true character of your generation. We continue to remain indebted to all those who have worn the uniform and sacrificed their all for our beloved freedom.

Brian and Jeanie Harding: Thank you for volunteering with other members of Midway Hills Christian Church and Refugee Services of Texas- Dallas, to set up a complete apartment for refugee families from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and from Honduras in May, September, and November.

Lisa West: I want to congratulate you on your retirement from Corsicana ISD after 36 years. Lisa has served children of all ages in the public education sector and special education. Thank you for your years of service to our community.

I also want to recognize today an American hero, Lieutenant Commander Richard Charles Dawson, better known as Dick. Just last month I had the opportunity to present the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V to Lieutenant Commander Dawson. What many may not know is that this Bronze Star is the third highest that our military can award to a servicemember. Any time this award is given, it is a tremendous honor. But his was even more special because Lieutenant Commander Dawson served our Nation in combat operations against our enemies in Vietnam from April 1967 through March 1968. First of all, welcome home, sir.

This past April, Dick received a most unusual phone call. He was told that Captain David Brown, his former commanding officer of Coastal Division 11 was in the process of moving his home. Captain Brown had discovered the original documentation supporting Dick's nomination for the Bronze Star with Combat V.

Captain Brown then realized that the Department of the Navy had not received the original package sent 54 years ago. After an investigation, Captain Brown organized a small team to help correct this oversight.

The paperwork was resubmitted and approved. It was an honor to be a part of the ceremony. It proved that bipartisanship is alive and well in Washington, D.C., and that we put America first, and we take care of those who have taken care of us. Thank you, sir, for all you have done for your country.

As an aside, I thank the Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, for approving this award, it was well-deserved, and thank you for your timeliness on it.

These are just a few examples of some outstanding people living in Texas' Sixth District. So when you think that there is no hope in this country, know that there is. There are good people like this everywhere across our country, I am just talking about the folks in the Sixth District, and it is my privilege to honor them on the House floor.

Every Sunday, after the joys would, of course, come the concerns, and there was never a shortage because everyone knew in Matthew, he says, ``When two or three are gathered in My name, I am in the midst of them.'' And at times like these, everybody is in need in some way or somehow, especially during the Christmas season.

I will start with a concern from Katherine Bongfeldt. She asks that we all pray for the safety of our allies who are still in Afghanistan. That those brave men and women who helped when we needed it most are protected and safe during these uncertain times in their country--and I sure hope we get them out.

I ask that you keep the Estes, Williams, and Tribbles families in our prayers, for they have all lost a loved one. Anyone who has lost a mother, father, brother, or sister knows how challenging these times can be, especially during the holidays.

Mary from Ennis, Texas, would like us to keep an open door during this holiday season. Many out there do not have a place to call home or a family to have dinner with. Thank you, Mary.

Please pray for the family of Officer Brandon Tsai. Officer Tsai from Grand Prairie Police Department was killed in a collision last month while pursuing a driver fleeing a traffic stop.

On October 16, Coach Cliff White from Midlothian High School lost his battle with cancer and Midlothian lost a pillar of their community. Coach White was more than a coach to his students, he was a mentor. Even during his hardest days, you would find him at every sporting event cheering on his teams. You will be missed, Coach.

I ask that you keep all Americans in your prayers. Keep joy in your hearts, hope in man, and faith in God.

Next, I want to talk about somebody that many of us in Washington know well.

On February 23, 1945, Hershel ``Woody'' Williams made history and was presented our Nation's highest military honor for his inspirational leadership and action in Iwo Jima; that is the Medal of Honor.

On July 3, 2022, Woody once again made history by being the first enlisted man to ever be ``Lain in Honor'' here in our Nation's Capitol.

Even in death, Woody served his country, for his funeral gave all Americans the opportunity to salute the 16 million men and women who served in our Armed Forces during the Second World War.

In the 246-year history our country, no enlisted man had ever lain in honor under the dome of our Capitol. On July 3, American history was changed for the better.

There are few things that can change this world more than a powerful child's idea--or a powerful idea from a powerful child. In 2014, 7- year-old Rabel Josephine McNutt was preparing to attend her godfather's, Medal of Honor recipient, Walter Ehlers' funeral. Moved by what she saw, she turned to her father, Bill, and said: Daddy, let's get them to do a big funeral in Washington, D.C., for Uncle Walter's friends.

So, Rabel and Bill got to work. The idea became a national cause with volunteer efforts conducted in all 50 States; Sixteen State legislatures passed resolutions, 15 congressional delegations wrote letters of support, 11 State Governors wrote to the White House, and the America Legion unanimously supported the mission at their 100th convention.

Today, 35 million American families claim a parent, grandparent, or close relative who fought in World War II. Make no mistake, they are the reason we enjoy our freedoms today. The courage, devotion, and faith that brought us through World War II's perils are exemplified by the State funeral for these American heroes.

To the 16 million men and women who gave their lives or sacrificed in some way so we can be here today, thank you and God bless. I would ask that in the future every Medal of Honor recipient that is still alive, that they get to lay in honor in the rotunda.

Next, I want to recognize a man that has spent his entire life in service to his community. Chief Wade Goolsby has spent the last 42 years in law enforcement and September 30 he said he was finally done.

Chief Goolsby may call Waxahachie PD home now, but Waxahachie is not the only department that has changed for the better.

He started his career with the Arlington Police Department where he worked patrol, investigations, and professional standards. After being promoted to sergeant, he served in leadership roles at the Coppell Police Department, the Southlake Police Department, and the Seguin Police Department before he landed home as the chief of police for Waxahachie where he has been for the last 7 years.

If you ask the chief what the best part of his job is, without a doubt he will say catching the bad guys, and over his 42 years of service he did that a lot.

I have known Wade for the last 7 years, and I can honestly say that the Waxahachie Police Department would not be where it is now without his leadership. I know his goal was to leave every department he worked at in a better place than when he started, and he did. You did it, my friend.

I, and the people of Waxahachie thank you for your years of dedication and service and for keeping our community save.

I wish both you and Sheryl a very happy retirement--whatever that looks likes. I know you will succeed in your next goal of having the best-looking yard.

As I said before, my district had 30 applicants of young men and women eager to serve in our Nation's military academies. I had the opportunity to sit down and meet each of them a few weeks ago. If anybody is worried about the direction of our country, or if we will have strong leaders in the coming years, don't be.

I would like you to meet my applicants. I promise you after meeting them, by listening to their essays, you will be filled with hope for our country. I want to take some time to read to you why these applicants want to serve in our Nation's military, why they believe in our country, and why they are hopeful for our future.

I asked each of these candidates to write one, and after I read them, I was particularly touched by several of them. I was touched by all of them, but here are a few that I would like to present to you today.

First is Michael Cook's, and these are his words:

An education through a service academy is right for me because I aspire to academically challenge myself, develop essential skills for any environment I may encounter, enhance my leadership ability, and most importantly, gain the essential preparation to ultimately serve and protect the United States of America.

All of the academies offer a one-of-a-kind experience academically, especially in the STEM fields, something that pairs well with my desire to study mechanical engineering, or a field closely related to it.

Each academy offers a vast array of resources through state-of-the-art labs and equipment; in addition, access to high-level and experienced professors to ensure that each cadet acquires the necessary skills to excel in engineering.

Most importantly, the academies offer a real-world and critical application for all labs and experiences.

I have no doubt that access to these resources will allow me to become the best academic version of myself and position me to excel in any STEM-based career.

Of equal importance to me is the dedication each academy has to developing capable leaders in today's world. By attending a service academy, I believe my leadership skills will progress exponentially.

Since participation in some form of sports is a requirement, all students will learn valuable lessons through teamwork and encounter opportunities to lead in some fashion.

I know the coaches at the academy can use these lessons to instill more refined leadership capabilities which will translate into a career as an officer.

The academy's rigor and plethora of experiences are key in developing leaders, as I would be exposed to various scenarios encountered in the military, thus further equipping me to lead others.

A service academy education is about more than a superior experience academically; it uniquely pairs that with preparing cadets to be officers and serve the United States of America. Each academy offers a tough military regiment to simulate military life.

Programs such as SERE, the survival escape program, parachutist programs, flight programs, sea year, and countless other programs enhance the capabilities of cadets as they see firsthand what it takes to be excellent leaders in the United States of America's military.

In my service, I want to be a combat rescue officer or pilot. Through these extensive programs offered, I will develop unique and tangible skills necessary to execute missions as a pilot.

Ultimately, any service academy, through the academic rigor, leadership opportunities, and countless programs, will develop me into the best version of myself and allow me to serve our great Nation to the best of my ability.

The next is applicant Asher Nguyen.

From computer coding to aviation warfare, the military academies are prestige organizations that dedicate their assets to train cadets, ultimately contributing to the welfare of our Nation.

I want to attend a military academy because I explored what it takes to be an officer and I believe that I possess both the leadership qualities and selflessness to pursue a military career.

Leadership is a key trait to serving in the military. Taking initiative actions to guide companions is necessary to pursue success. As the senior class president and as someone who has taken many initiative roles in school clubs, I have gained experience as a leader and a team player.

From effectively heading a STEM leadership conference of 300-plus students and earning the title of ``Compelled'' in football by leading with my actions, I learned to carry out leadership responsibilities in school, which correlates to carrying out responsibilities in the military.

Participating in leadership opportunities opened the gates and inspired me to guide those around me. Serving in the Armed Forces would allow me to further cultivate my teamwork and leadership skills, as well as help others.

The opportunity to serve in the military would also allow me to return the favor it did for my family.

This is the important part that I want to express to you.

My father escaped the horrors of the Vietnam war at the age of 9. His boat was stranded. However, a naval ship appeared and saved my father's family. This incident was instilled into my father's core memory, which inspired him to serve in the military.

My father does play a small role in my inspiration to attend and serve in the military. However, the main reason I would like to serve is to help other families the way my family was aided.

Being granted the opportunity to help others the same way my father was helped is a dream of mine. No matter the role in the military, every action contributes to the welfare of our country.

Serving in the military would not only allow me to return the favor as it has done for my family but ultimately serve the people that define the United States of America.

Through physical fitness, educational opportunities, and teamwork cooperation, I believe the military academies are the best route to helping others and cultivating leadership, ultimately contributing to our country's welfare and serving others.

I think that is just fantastic.

The next is from Jacob Brown.

Attending a service academy is the ideal pathway to achieving my goal of becoming a military officer. I believe the service academy's overall experiences and benefits far outweigh those of any traditional college.

I am excited to continue leadership and disciplined learning at a service academy needed for the foundation of a future military officer. I attended a summer aviation program in Virginia in 2015, at the age of 10, which introduced me to aviation.

I later joined the Civil Air Patrol in 2017 after my father retired from the United States Secret Service and my family relocated to Texas. Through the Civil Air Patrol, I have experienced several military functions, such as staying on military bases for summer encampment and leadership schools over the past 5 years.

The experience I gained from attending leadership schools such as Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Officer Training School, and Cadet Command Staff College has helped me advance to the rank of cadet colonel.

As the current cadet commander at my squadron, I have had the opportunity to develop my leadership abilities through conducting weekly drills and promotion review boards. The Civil Air Patrol exposed me to the wonderful opportunity of the military. Therefore, I have chosen a career path to become an officer in the U.S. military.

Together, these experiences over the last 5 years have provided a sound foundation that I believe has equipped me to succeed in a service academy and future career in the military. I was accepted last summer to an 8-week-long flight school in New Bern, North Carolina.

There, I completed my solo flight, solo cross country, and long solo cross country. I only have a couple of hours left to take my check ride for my private pilot license. What makes me a unique candidate for a nomination to the military academy is the level of commitment and dedication I demonstrated in setting and accomplishing goals.

For example, I began setting long-term goals when I was 6 years old with the 3-year program to successfully achieve my black belt in tae kwon do. While I was motivated when I started the program in 2011, at age 6, after a year and a half, I faced a wall and wanted to stop and start another sport.

Ultimately, through the leadership of my father, I developed the invaluable trait of perseverance. Since that early period in my life, I have used that lesson about the power of commitment and dedication to overcome other walls toward my goals.

Through commitment and dedication, I accomplished the Civil Air Patrol's highest cadet achievement and promotion to cadet colonel with the successful completion of the General Carl A. Spaatz Award, which less than 1 percent of all cadets in the Civil Air Patrol achieve.

I believe my experiences, training, and overall preparedness through leadership and development in the Civil Air Patrol have enhanced my level of commitment needed to persevere through a military academy and as an officer in the military after graduation.

Next is Ezra Lee.

Since the beginning, the United States has always needed great leaders. To that end, military academies have been a critical component in producing such leaders. The position that the academies graduates put them in a place where they have the ability to make an impact.

I want to attend a military academy because of the extraordinary leadership, character-building, and academic education it will provide to make me the best version of myself to serve my country and my endeavors.

Attending an academy will allow me to be a part of something bigger than myself by surrounding myself with the same motivations, ambitions, and dedication.

Many people consider college to be a time of growth, bonding, and change. While these are important, some will desire more, like the desire to truly test themselves and push beyond what they thought was imaginable.

While spending time at UTA through my dual-credit program, I have found myself wanting more than the traditional college experience.

Learning about how hard the academies push cadets through their detailed scheduling, pressure, and rigorous academics, I have found them to be the perfect place to fill what I could not find in a traditional college.

The academies' physical, academic, and mental toughness turn many away, but this is why I want to attend. I want to be put in an environment in which I can truly test myself in order to become the best version of myself to help others and make an impact.

Throughout my life, I have had the privilege of being a part of many communities, such as church, school, and orchestra. I have developed an appreciation for what strong communities provide.

A strong community such as my church has given me my faith and has provided me with countless people who have changed my life. Seeing those who have developed strong character has given me a desire to pursue it.

School has provided me with friends and teachers who have cared for me and given me a desire to learn.

Orchestra has provided me with an environment that has pushed me and allowed me to understand teamwork.

Attending a military academy is the best option for me because this is where the aspects of what I appreciate the most from these communities, faith, care, teamwork, and connection, come together in one place.

Additionally, it would allow me to give back to others in these communities by serving. Ultimately, I want to attend a military academy to be challenged and pushed in a way that allows me to not only serve this country but also to emerge as a leader and the most optimal version of myself. This is what I desire to do most for the next decade of my life, and I know that this decision will be one I never regret.

Next applicant is Brett Hoelscher.

For as far as back as I can remember, I have wanted to be a pilot. And although passenger jets are interesting, I have only ever aspired to become a military aviator.

My uncle, a graduate of the Air Force Academy and a former F-16 pilot and test pilot, always shared his larger-than-life tales with me as a kid and encouraged me to dream big.

So, I did. I realized very quickly that my long-term goal was to earn a degree in aerospace engineering and use that degree plus flight experience as an aviator or Air Force pilot to become the chief test pilot at NASA or Lockheed Martin.

In addition, I realized how competitive applying and attending a service academy would be, but I was excited. I knew that the competitive nature of these academies would only serve to better prepare me for my future in military service and in a civilian career.

So far in my application process, I have gotten to meet some of the brightest, kindest, most encouraging, and most honest people I have ever met.

Through a service academy, I will forge friendships through hardship and laughter that will last a lifetime, and I will be able to learn from some of the best professors and mentors this country has to offer.

At a service academy, I will be able to surround myself with motivated, hardworking, detail-oriented men and women who share my passion and drive to succeed at everything I do.

Through military training, I will better understand how to lead under intense pressure, how to work within a group, and how to be supremely confident yet humble in my actions.

Through a service academy, I will develop as a young man, and I will be able to realize my dreams at a place few can say they have graduated from. I know I will not quit if given an opportunity to attend a service academy, and I can only hope that through this application you can see my drive to succeed at a service academy.

Two more.

Next is applicant Bahij Said.

Being born in the United States and having lived abroad in the Middle East for several years, I have developed a deep respect for the freedoms Americans enjoy.

My father, who traveled to the United States to seek a better future, and my mother, who studied criminology and criminal justice in hopes to improve our Nation, instilled the conservative and patriotic values that ignited my passion to serve this great country.

After traveling to over 35 countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan, I have had the unique opportunity to see the extent other countries are willing to confirm to in order to harm our Nation.

From openly protesting against the United States to spreading perverted religious ideology that directly impacts U.S. citizens, the passionate hate that these individuals have for our country left me astounded.

The more I witnessed these hateful acts, the more I began researching and reading about recent historical events and actions that inspired so many of these individuals.

I read over 80 books on topics including the war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan, the history of radical jihadists, the use of enhanced interrogation techniques on detainees, and the collection and analyzation of intelligence from high-risk areas in the Middle East in order to develop a deeper understanding of the complex situation.

As I got older, I began questioning what I could do in order to make a difference.

After speaking with numerous individuals, both in the government intelligence and military intelligence community, I decided that I would like to work in the field of intelligence as well.

The decision made sense for a number of reasons, which included my trilingual capabilities in Arabic, Pashto, and Persian, my ability to integrate myself in high-risk environments, and my cultural and political understanding of enemy countries, which are all valuable assets that I would like to utilize in defense for our Nation.

Since higher education is a goal of mine, the service academies stood out as excellent options since they not only provided me with a world-class education but also the tools, training, and environment in order to defend and protect our country.

In addition to offering a challenging setting, the faculty at the service academies are highly distinguished in their areas of expertise and incorporate years of experience within their academic lessons, a characteristic not found at other educational institutions in the United States.

The academies also provide areas to discuss and store classified material, a necessity for somebody wanting to branch into intelligence.

My top service academy option is the Naval Academy since I attended the Naval Academy Summer Seminar and fell in love with the unique history and environment of the academy.

The students and instructors that I met while attending the summer seminar were all high-achieving, highly-motivated individuals who were all passionate about serving their country.

Moreover, the students and instructors at the Naval Academy are an excellent reflection of the overall category of individuals who attend other service academies, individuals who demonstrate both intelligence and athleticism and are drawn toward service and duty.

As a Muslim and Middle Easterner, an underrepresented minority in the United States military, it would be a great honor to be selected to attend a service academy. I look forward to serving my country by taking the first steps as a midshipman.

That young man was 18.

Finally, applicant Marshall Cloyd:

I would like to attend a service academy because of my desire to incorporate a sense of purpose in my undergraduate experience and for the tangible career opportunities afforded at a service academy. Furthermore, I believe that the ideals of democracy and personal freedom our country stands for are something worth protecting.

In Europe, South Korea, and many other places, our Armed Forces are the only reason there is peace and justice. The possibility and purpose of serving as a part of this important cause enthralls me.

Another thing I noticed while touring multiple service academies was the visible sense of comradery amongst the cadets. The bond I witnessed while visiting was something I value deeply in my personal life and wish to feel at whatever workplace or academic institution I attend.

Military academies also develop you as a person in a way that a traditional civilian school doesn't. For one, everyone who graduates from a service academy is trained into being a leader and goes on to develop said leadership skills after graduation.

Military academies are also known for being academically rigorous and competitive places filled with driven and purposeful people. I value this sort of culture within my current academic life and wish to continue it into my undergraduate years.

I also respect the emphasis placed on physical prowess present at military academies. I want a career that requires a standard for physical fitness, as it is something both missing from and deeply needed by American society.

It is indeed an honor and a difficult choice to have to choose from these incredible young men and women from the Sixth District of Texas. I realize that every district in this country has young men and women just like that. No matter what you see on mass media about the demise of our country and the downfall, our brightest days are yet ahead.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 says: There is nothing new under the Sun.

Let's have a bright outlook toward the future, especially at this time.

I thank the people behind us who work so hard and so long, so many hours, and especially the stenographers for all their hard work and for everything that they do. It is a pleasure and honor to be working with them.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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