Congratulating Aledo Bearcats

Floor Speech

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Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Aledo Bearcats on their decisive 8-1 victory in the 2025 UIL 5A Division I State baseball championship.

The Bearcats concluded a historic season with their second State title, securing the win for the first time in 11 years. This team began the season with a unified goal and put in the work to bring their vision to life. After a hard-fought season of long practices and staying focused in school, these athletes, trainers, managers, and coaches showed dedication, strength, and an unwavering commitment to victory.

I am proud that their hard work has paid off. As these talented students prepare for their next endeavors, I wish them the best of luck and blessings for an even brighter and more victorious future.

Go Bearcats.

In God We Trust. RECOGNIZING GORDON LONGHORNS BASEBALL TEAM

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Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Gordon Longhorns baseball team on a hard-fought season.

This year, the Longhorns made school history with their first-ever appearance in the UIL Class 1A State championship game. Their road to the championship was made even more remarkable by the challenges they overcame this season.

On May 18, 2025, a tornado struck Gordon, leaving the school's athletic facilities, baseball field, and other resources unusable during the most crucial part of their season. The community rallied around these young men as the team practiced at neighboring schools to continue their playoff preparations.

The Longhorns are a testament to determination, teamwork, and the strength of a small Texas town recovering from a natural disaster.

As these students prepare for their next endeavors, I wish them the best of luck and blessings for a brighter future.

Go Longhorns.

In God We Trust. COMMENDING BURLESON'S VICTIM ASSISTANCE POSTER PROJECT

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Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Burleson Police Department for their remarkable work supporting victims of domestic violence.

The lifesaving Burleson victim assistance poster project began with one powerful phrase: If I had known someone like you existed, I would have gotten help sooner.

Far too many women live in silence, unsure of where to turn, especially while still under the control or surveillance of an abuser. There is a critical gap, not in services, but in awareness and safe access to those services.

Recognizing this urgent need, the leaders of Burleson, Texas, came together to create a simple yet profoundly effective solution: posters. These discreet posters are strategically placed in safe, private, and secure locations where a victim can view them without fear. Each one includes a QR code that links directly to support resources, as well as a hotline for those without internet access. In under 30 seconds, a victim can quickly connect to confidential help, shelter options, and emergency services.

With the support from the Burleson Police Officers Association and dedicated community stakeholders, this initiative has expanded, reaching neighboring cities, rural areas, and locations across this great country.

I thank the City of Burleson Police Department. Their leadership and innovation have created a vital lifeline, bringing safety and hope to victims of domestic abuse.

In God We Trust. RECOGNIZING COMANCHE CHIEF NEWSPAPER

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Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate a remarkable milestone for The Comanche Chief newspaper located in my district.

For over 150 years, The Comanche Chief paper has provided trustworthy news, thoughtful commentary, entertainment, and vital resources for the people of Comanche County. It has served as a reliable voice for our community and a living record of our shared history.

James Claude Wilkerson first bought the newspaper in June 1925, beginning a proud family tradition of civic service through journalism. This year, the Wilkerson family is celebrating an extraordinary milestone of 100 years in print.

Today, James Bradley Wilkerson is a fourth-generation owner, carrying on his family's legacy by serving as the paper's publisher, ensuring that The Comanche Chief continues to inform, engage, and uplift its readers.

As the oldest continuous business institution in Comanche County, The Comanche Chief is more than just a newspaper. It is a pillar of our community for past and future generations.

I commend the Wilkerson family for their century of stewardship, and I thank them for their continued commitment to delivering trustworthy news to the people of Texas.

In God We Trust.

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