Issues of the Day

Floor Speech

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Mr. ELLZEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a fellow fighter pilot, a pilot who is immediately recognizable to millions worldwide who have seen the movie ``Top Gun: Maverick.'' I know my good friend is watching right now. Those fanboys and fangirls know him only from the credits as the ``pilot in bar'' who thanks his fellow captain for inadvertently buying a round of drinks.

That fighter pilot is my good friend Brian Ferguson, ``Ferg,'' who is retiring from the Navy Reserve after 30 years of dedicated service next Friday.

Ferg's accomplishments in the Navy are too numerous to completely list here, so I will just provide a few highlights. After graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1993, he joined the Navy, went to flight school, and earned his naval aviator Wings of Gold. He spent the next 10 years flying F-18s from the decks of aircraft carriers in peace and war, including multiple night strikes into Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

After 10 years on Active Duty, he transitioned to the Navy Reserve as an adversary pilot--being the bad guy--flying F-5s with Fighter Composite Squadron 13. As I can personally attest, the high point of any fighter pilot's career is the opportunity to command a squadron. Ferg took command of VFC-13 in 2012, and with the help of his enlisted sailors and tactically brilliant junior officer pilots, the squadron won awards for combat readiness, safety, aircraft maintenance, and personnel retention.

Following command, Ferg continued to serve in important roles with Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center, Carrier Strike Group Fifteen, the Sixth Fleet Navy Reserve Headquarters Unit, and then as the deputy commander of the Naval Air Force Reserve.

In 2018, an irresistible opportunity presented itself when Ferg was asked to be the Navy's technical adviser and aerial coordinator for the filming of ``Top Gun: Maverick,'' an opportunity he declined at least twice because--despite being a TOPGUN graduate himself--of the time it would require him to be away from his family.

Of course, finally it was his wife, Susan, who is a lot smarter than Ferg--yes, we wrote that out, Ferg, and we mean it--said: If you don't help make the flight scenes in the movie look realistic and they don't, you will spend the rest of your life telling people you could have done it better--which he would--so just go do it yourself so you can't blame anybody else if the scenes don't live up to the hype.

So Ferg spent nearly 2 years working as the Navy's point man on the film. His hand is in every scene with an airplane, and as we all know, those flying scenes lived up to the hype.

In spite of all that he has accomplished in the air, Ferg will be the first to tell you that the most important things in his life are on the ground: his lovely wife, Susan, and their four children. While Ferg was out flying fighter jets and other kinds of things all throughout his career, Susan raised four exceptional children. I will tell you as a fellow naval aviator, it is the spouses who endure most of the sacrifice and do the raising of the children. In Ferg's case I am very grateful that Susan was the one who did that; and of course she was working full time herself.

Their three sons, Cole, Evan, and Connor each earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Cole and Evan graduated college, and Connor is currently in college. His daughter, Cassie, earned her Girl Scout Silver Award and is a college student and skilled equestrian.

I also know that when Ferg was in leadership positions, particularly as the deputy to a two-star admiral, everybody's favorite thing, he often stayed late so that his sailors and junior officers could get home to be with their families.

It was the love and support of his own family that enabled Ferg to serve and succeed in the Navy for the past 30 years, and I rise today to recognize them for their service, as well.

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I thank the Fergusons: Brian, Susan, Cole, Evan, Connor, and Cassie, for the sacrifices they have made for the Navy and our country over the past 30 years.

Fair winds and following seas, shipmate. You are an American hero. You will be missed in the Navy.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Rutherford), my good friend.

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Mr. ELLZEY. Madam Speaker, as many of you know, from time-to-time I address the House floor with my version of a speech that my childhood pastor would give every Sunday called ``Joys and Concerns.'' During this time, 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. That would unite us as a congregation to pray for our community and those in need.

Recently, I had the opportunity to go to Hillsboro, Texas, which is a city in my district in Hill County. It is a remarkable place of wonderful people, and they all love their country. The local community college, Hill College, has a veterans' museum on campus.

If you take a moment before you walk into the museum, out front to the right is a small memorial, and it is a ``Medal of Honor Memorial to Native-Born Texans.'' It is engraved on a headstone. During my visits, I am always drawn to those to see what I can find there.

My district is home to nine Medal of Honor recipients, and I would like to take a moment to introduce them to you. If you will indulge me, it will take a little time, but I think it is worth talking about as we worry about the future of this country and what we are made of and the greatness of our people. When I tell you their stories, you should have no doubt that there should be no doubt about our past and our future.

From Dallas, Commander Samuel Dealey, who served our Nation in World War II. He was born September 13, 1906, and served our Nation during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the USS Harder during her fifth war patrol in Japanese-controlled waters.

Floodlighted by a bright moon and disclosed to an enemy destroyer escort which bore down with the intent to attack, Commander Dealey dived his submarine to periscope depth and waited for the pursuer to close range, then opened fire, sending the target and all aboard down in flames with his third torpedo.

Plunging deep to avoid fierce depth charges, he again surfaced, and within 9 minutes after sighting another destroyer, had sent the enemy down tail first with a direct hit immediately amidship.

Evading detection, he penetrated the confined waters off Tawi Tawi with a Japanese fleet base 6 miles away and scored death blows on two patrolling destroyers in quick succession. With his ship heeled over by concussions from the first exploding target and the second vessel nose- diving in a blinding detonation, he cleared the area at high speed.

Sighted by a large hostile fleet force on the following day, he swung his bow toward the lead destroyer for another down-the-throat shot, fired three bow tubes, and promptly crash-dived to be terrifically rocked seconds later by the exploding ship as the USS Harder passed beneath.

This remarkable record of five vital Japanese destroyers sunk in five short-range torpedo attacks attested the valiant spirit of Commander Dealey and his indomitable command.

From Hillsboro, Second Lieutenant James Harris.

Second Lieutenant Harris was born on June 27, 1916, and served our Nation during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 7 October 1944 in Vagney, France.

At 9 p.m., an enemy raiding party comprising a tank and two platoons of infantry infiltrated through the lines under cover of mist and darkness and attacked an infantry battalion command post with hand grenades, retiring a short distance to an ambush position on hearing the approach of the M4 tank commanded by Second Lieutenant Harris.

Realizing the need for bold, aggressive action, Second Lieutenant Harris ordered his tank to halt while he proceeded on foot, fully 10 yards ahead of his six-man patrol and armed only with a service pistol, to probe the darkness of the enemy.

Although struck down and mortally wounded by machine gun bullets which penetrated his solar plexus, he crawled back to his tank leaving a trail of blood behind him and, too weak to climb inside it, issued fire orders while lying on the road between two contending armored vehicles.

Although the tank which he commanded was destroyed in the course of the firefight, he stood the enemy off until friendly tanks, preparing to come to his aid, caused the enemy to withdraw and thereby lose an opportunity to kill or capture the entire battalion command personnel.

Suffering a second wound, which severed his leg at the hip in the course of this tank duel, Second Lieutenant Harris refused aid until after a wounded member of his crew had been carried to safety. He died before he could be given medical attention.

God bless you, Second Lieutenant.

From Dallas, First Lieutenant Turney Leonard.

Turney Leonard was born on June 18, 1921, and served our Nation during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for displaying extraordinary heroism while commanding a platoon of mobile weapons at Kommerscheidt, Germany, on November 4, 5, and 6, 1944. During the fierce, 3-day engagement, he repeatedly braved overwhelming enemy fire in advance of his platoon to direct the fire of his tank destroyer from exposed, dismounted positions.

He went on lone reconnaissance missions to discover what opposition his men faced, and on one occasion, when fired upon by a hostile machine gun, advanced alone and eliminated the enemy emplacement with a hand grenade. When a strong German attack threatened to overrun friendly positions, he moved through withering artillery, mortar, and small-arms fire, reorganized confused infantry units whose leaders had become casualties, and exhorted them to hold firm.

Although wounded early in the battle, he continued to direct fire from his advanced position until he was disabled by a high-explosive shell which shattered his arm, forcing him to withdraw. He was last seen at a medical aid station which the enemy subsequently captured.

By his superb courage, inspiring leadership, and indomitable fighting spirit, First Lieutenant Leonard enabled our forces to hold off the enemy attack and was personally responsible for the direction of fire which destroyed six German tanks.

From Ennis, First Lieutenant Jack Lummus.

Jack was born October 22, 1915, and served our Nation during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as leader of a rifle platoon attached to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on March 8, 1945, right before the war ended.

Resuming his assault tactics with bold decision after fighting without respite for 2 days and nights, First Lieutenant Lummus slowly advanced his platoon against an enemy deeply entrenched in a network of mutually supporting positions.

Suddenly halted by a terrific concentration of enemy fire, he unhesitatingly moved forward of his front lines in an effort to neutralize the Japanese position. Although knocked to the ground when an enemy grenade exploded close by, he immediately recovered himself and, again moving forward despite the intensified barrage, quickly located, attacked, and destroyed the occupied emplacement.

Instantly taken under fire by the garrison of a supporting pillbox and further assailed by the slashing fury of hostile rifle fire, he fell under the impact of a second enemy grenade but courageously disregarding painful shoulder wounds, staunchly continued his heroic one-man assault and charged the second pillbox, annihilating all of the occupants.

Subsequently returning to his platoon position, he fearlessly traversed his lines under fire, encouraging his men to advance and directing the fire of supporting tanks against other stubbornly holding Japanese emplacements.

Held up again by a devastating barrage, he again moved into the open, rushed a third heavily fortified installation, and killed the defending troops. Determined to crush all resistance, he led his men indomitably, personally attacking foxholes and spider traps with his carbine and systematically reducing the fanatic opposition until, stepping on a land mine, he sustained fatal wounds.

By his outstanding valor, skilled tactics, and tenacious perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, First Lieutenant Lummus had inspired his stouthearted marines to continue the relentless drive northward, thereby contributing materially to the success of his regimental mission.

His dauntless leadership and unwavering devotion to duty throughout sustain and enhance the highest tradition of the United States Navy service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

From Fort Worth, Second Lieutenant George O'Brien.

Second Lieutenant O'Brien was born on September 10, 1926, and served our Nation during the Korean war. He received the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a rifle platoon commander of Company H in action against enemy aggressor forces.

With his platoon subjected to an intense mortar and artillery bombardment while preparing to assault a vitally important hill position on the main line of resistance, which had been overrun by a numerically superior enemy force on the preceding night, Second Lieutenant O'Brien leaped from his trench when the attack signal was given and, shouting for his men to follow, raced across an exposed saddle and up the enemy-held hill through a virtual hail of deadly small-arms, artillery, and mortar fire.

Although shot through the arm and thrown to the ground by hostile automatic weapons fire as he neared the well-entrenched enemy position, he bravely regained his feet, waved his men onward, and continued to spearhead the assault, pausing only long enough to go to the aid of a wounded marine.

Encountering the enemy at close range, he proceeded to hurl hand grenades into the bunkers and, utilizing his carbine to the best of his advantage in savage hand-to-hand combat, succeeded in killing at least three of the enemy.

Struck down by the concussion of grenades on three occasions during the subsequent action, he steadfastly refused to be evacuated for medical treatment and continued to lead his platoon in the assault for a period of nearly 4 hours, repeatedly encouraging his men and maintaining superb direction of the unit.

With the attack halted, he set up a defense with his remaining forces to prepare for a counterattack, personally checking each position, attending to the wounded, and expediting their evacuation.

When a relief of the position was effected by another unit, he remained to cover the withdrawal and to ensure that no wounded were left behind.

By his exceptionally daring and forceful leadership in the face of overwhelming odds, Second Lieutenant O'Brien served as a constant source of inspiration to all who observed him and was greatly instrumental in the recapture of a strategic position on the main line of resistance. His indomitable determination and valiant fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon himself and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Navy service.

From Palestine, Captain Steven Bennett.

Captain Steven Bennett was born on April 22, 1946, and served our Nation during the Vietnam war. Captain Bennett was the pilot of a light aircraft flying an artillery adjustment mission along a heavily defended segment of route structure.

A large concentration of enemy troops were massing for an attack on a friendly unit. Captain Bennett requested tactical air support but was advised that none was available. He also requested artillery support, but this, too, was denied due to the close proximity of friendly troops to the target.

Captain Bennett was determined to aid the endangered unit and elected to strafe the hostile positions. After four such passes, the enemy forces began to retreat. Captain Bennett continued the attack, but as he completed his fifth strafing pass, his aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile which severely damaged the left engine and the left main landing gear. As fire spread in the left engine, Captain Bennett realized that recovery at a friendly airfield was impossible.

He instructed his observer to prepare for ejection but was informed by the observer that his parachute had been shredded by the force of the impacting missile. Although Captain Bennett had a good parachute, he knew that if he ejected, the observer would have no chance of survival.

With complete disregard for his own life, Captain Bennett elected to ditch the aircraft in the Gulf of Tonkin, even though he realized that a pilot of this type of aircraft had never survived a ditching. The ensuing impact upon the water caused the aircraft to cartwheel and severely damaged the front cockpit, making escape for Captain Bennett impossible. The observer successfully made his way out of the aircraft and was rescued.

Captain Bennett's unparalleled concern for his companion, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of U.S. military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

From Corsicana, Sergeant Candelario Garcia, who was born on February 26, 1944, served our Nation during the Vietnam war. He received the Medal of Honor for distinguishing himself with acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an acting team leader for Company Bravo, 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Lai Khe, Republic of Vietnam, on December 8, 1968.

On that day, while conducting reconnaissance, Sergeant Garcia and his platoon discovered communication wire and other signs of an enemy-based camp leading to a densely vegetated area. As the men advanced, they came under intense fire. Several men were hit and trapped in the open. Ignoring a hail of hostile bullets, Sergeant Garcia crawled to within 10 meters of a machine gun bunker, leapt to his feet, and ran directly at the fortification, firing his rifle as he charged.

Sergeant Garcia jammed two hand grenades into the gun port and then placed the muzzle of the weapon inside, killing all four occupants.

Continuing to expose himself to intense enemy fire, Sergeant Garcia raced 15 meters to another bunker and killed its three defenders with hand grenades and rifle fire.

After again braving the enemy's barrage in order to rescue two casualties, he joined his company in an assault which overran the remaining enemy positions.

Sergeant Garcia's extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Finally, from Dallas, Specialist Robert Law, who was born on September 15, 1944, served our Nation during the Vietnam war. He received the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Specialist Law distinguished himself while serving with Company I. While on a long-range reconnaissance patrol in the Tinh Phuoc Thanh Province, Specialist Law and five comrades made contact with a small enemy patrol. As the opposing elements exchanged intense fire, he maneuvered to a perilously exposed position, flanking his comrades, and began placing suppressive fire on the hostile troops.

Although his team was hindered by a low supply of ammunition and suffered from an unidentified irritating gas in the air, Specialist Law's spirited defense and challenging counterassault rallied his fellow soldiers against the well-equipped hostile troops.

When an enemy grenade landed in his team's position, Specialist Law, instead of diving into the safety of a stream behind him, threw himself on the grenade to save the lives of his comrades.

Specialist Law's extraordinary courage and profound concern for his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of U.S. military service and the U.S. Army.

These men made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow soldiers, their families, and their country. I was humbled and moved to see their names displayed for all those who visit to see, and I wanted to talk about them on the floor.

If you have the opportunity, I encourage you to visit this memorial to pay respect to those men whom we all owe a debt of gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Now, I want to recognize some members of our community who have gone above and beyond.

I congratulate Kira Neff from Midlothian on recently attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. This level of success is only accomplished through dedication and hard work. The many hours put into this badge are evident by her success.

I congratulate Kyle Austin from Palestine on being awarded the Anderson County Sheriff's Office Life Saving Award. I thank him for all he does.

I congratulate Laikahs Kelly from Corsicana on winning the State championship in powerlifting in her respected weight class--a tremendous accomplishment.

I congratulate Mason Couch from Palestine on his recent promotion to sergeant in the Correctional Division for the Anderson County Sheriff's Office. Our community is very fortunate to have him take on this new role, and the citizens of Anderson County will benefit from his years of experience in law enforcement.

I congratulate Michelle Woodall from Mansfield and the students of Ben Barber Innovation Academy on being named DECA Chapter of the Year for 2022. Being recognized on a national level is an amazing accomplishment, and they should be proud of everyone who worked this past school year to help them earn this accolade.

I congratulate Nora Frasier from Mansfield on being awarded the 2022 Excellence in Leadership Award for the Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership and for being recognized as one of 23 notable women in Texas hospitals, healthcare, and public policy by the Texas Hospital Association. These awards are a tribute to her courageous and selfless acts working in healthcare and the exemplary contributions she has shown to the hospital. I truly appreciate all that she does in the field of nursing and the outstanding service, compassion, and leadership that she shows toward her staff and those around her. I thank her for keeping our community's health a high priority.

I congratulate William Stewart from Palestine and the Palestine High School Student Council on winning the Sweepstakes Award and being recognized as a Sweepstakes Council by the Texas Association of Student Councils. It is an incredible accomplishment, and I know it took many hours of practice and dedication to reach this success.

I congratulate Paul Box from Waxahachie on placing third overall in the men's division at the World Marathon Challenge. It is an incredible accomplishment, and I trust that his hard work and enthusiasm for running will inspire others to exhibit the same discipline and leadership qualities that have helped him become a world-class athlete.

I congratulate Rustin Smith from Midlothian on also achieving Eagle Scout.

I congratulate Victor Campa from Ennis on being named Firefighter of the Year for 2022 from the Ennis Fire Department. This award is a tribute to his courageous and selfless acts as a first responder. I thank him for his willingness to serve Ennis and the State of Texas.

I congratulate Mary Gunter from Fairfield on 40 years of service for the Child Nutrition Department at Fairfield Independent School District. I thank her for her commitment and love for her students and families in her community.

I congratulate Mike Littrell from Dawson on being inducted into the Ag Teachers Association of the Texas Hall of Fame. I thank him for all his hard work in teaching ag through hands-on learning at Dawson ISD and feeding the world.

I congratulate Andy McClendon from Midlothian on his graduation from The American Legion Boys State program. I, myself, was a Boys State graduate. Being elected to participate as a delegate reflects his hard work, dedication, and strong leadership skills.

I recognize Curtis Putz from Corsicana for being awarded the Star of Texas by Governor Abbott. This honor recognizes his commitment to our community, which will have a lasting impact for many years to come. I thank him for the risks that he has taken, the sacrifices he makes, and his acts of selflessness for others. Navarro County is a safer place to live because of him.

I also congratulate Waxahachie CARE for being awarded Nonprofit of the Year from the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce. I thank them for supporting the families in our wonderful community. Their commitment to helping families in need in our area is truly remarkable.

Finally, I thank Hill County Emergency Management, Texas A&M Forest Service, Hillsboro Fire Department, and White Bluff Volunteer Fire Department for their work containing the wildfire near Blum, Texas, on July 31. This deadly fire engulfed over 300 acres and claimed several buildings. Because of the dedication and the hard work of all those involved, no homes were lost and no lives were lost.

Finally, I congratulate Commissioner Lane Grayson, Neal Bryd, Chad Spence, Casey Crow, Ruben Benavidez, Brenda Blaylock, James Byrd, Neal Byrd, Jimer Cannaday, Rodney Dickerson, Russel Ellison, Dwight Koch, Fernando Limon, Adam Pryor, Chad Spence, Tim Zabojnik, and Leon Zajic, all of Ellis County Precinct 2 for achieving 3,000 days of no lost time. This is an achievement that few construction crews can claim. It requires 3,000 days of no work-related injuries. I thank them for all of their hard work and, more importantly, putting the safety of their fellow coworkers and citizens above all.

These are just a few examples of some outstanding people living in Texas' Sixth District. When you think that there is no hope in our country, know that there is, that there are people in our communities and here in Washington working hard to leave this world a better place than when they got here. It is my privilege to honor them on the House floor.

Every Sunday after the joys would come the concerns, and there was never a shortage because everybody knew in Matthew, he says: ``Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am in the midst of them.''

I start with a concern from Katherine from Palestine, whose mother recently got diagnosed with cancer. She asked that we keep her in our prayers as she and her family go through this difficult time.

Tamra from Jacksonville asks us to keep all of our homeless veterans in our prayers. Many are battling with mental illness and unseen wounds from their time defending our country.

Neal from Irving is concerned about what he sees in the news with regard to fentanyl. While he does not understand why anybody would choose to take it, he knows it is a problem.

Mark from Whitney recently took his wife to the hospital for a collapsed lung and asked that we keep her in our prayers.

John from Whitney is joyful for the life that God has given him and is concerned about the chemo and radiation treatment he started this week. My thoughts and prayers are with John and Shelby and their family.

To close out, I want to bring attention to a brave young lady who has been visiting us here in Washington this week and needs our prayers. Isabella Day is 12 years old. During a routine doctor visit, she was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma when she was only 9 months old. Since the day she was diagnosed, Isabella and her parents, Tim and Leslie, along with her sisters Anna and Jaclyn, have dedicated themselves to helping children with childhood cancer.

Back in May, I met Isabella in my office, and I was moved by her story. Before that, I met her out on the campaign trail. She came and talked to me and asked me some really hard questions. I was really impressed by her and asked her to come to the office.

This week, she has had the opportunity to share her story with Chairwoman Granger, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, Congressman Steny Hoyer, Congresswoman Katherine Clark, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Congressman Dan Crenshaw, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Congressman Robert Aderholt, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, and Congressman Juan Ciscomani.

If she was of age according to the Constitution, I think she would probably be put forth as a candidate for President. She is that impressive, and I am proud to know her.

I am thankful to each of my friends who took the time to visit with her. It changed my life. She has changed my life, and I know it did yours.

I mentioned the nine recipients of the Medal of Honor from different ages and eras, and I served with men and women who, no doubt, had we been in conflict today, would be deserving of that, too, so I just want to tell people that when you lose hope, there is much to be hopeful for in this country. We have incredible women here in this Chamber, incredible men here in this Chamber, Representatives up here in Washington, D.C., who sacrifice a lot of their time, a lot of time with their families, to serve.

Don't read the hype in the media. Understand that they are working very hard. Remember that when I talk about these Medal of Honor men who were drafted in World War II or Vietnam, they would tell you that they are just like any of the others of us called to do something great, and they were awarded a medal for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their lives and usually in the face of overwhelming odds.

What we face today is not overwhelming. We are the United States of America. We have and can continue to accomplish anything we set our minds to.

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

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

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