Recognizing Lieutenant Colonel William (Bill) Patterson Matthews, Usa, Retired, with A Congressional Veteran Commendation

Floor Speech

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Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present retired USA Lieutenant Colonel William (Bill) Patterson Matthews, of Mexia, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation in recognition of his outstanding service to both his country and his community.

After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas A&M University, Lt. Col. Matthews served with distinction in the United States Army for over 24 years. His military career included service in over 30 countries, and a particularly harrowing tour in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse), where he served under Colonel George Patton and Colonel Jimmie Leach. During that time, he was twice wounded by RPG attacks, survived two mine explosions, and earned two Bronze Stars for Valor, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He was medevacked to Fort Hood after his second Purple Heart. He continued to serve in command roles for the rest of his active service and subsequently earned a Master's in Business Administration from Syracuse University, eventually retiring in 1992.

Following his military retirement, Lt. Col. Matthews settled in Mexia, Texas, where he launched a second career in education. He earned teaching and principal certifications from Tarleton State University. Beginning in 1994, he taught 7th grade science in Mexia ISD and went on to become principal at Mexia Intermediate and later R.Q. Sims Intermediate School. He earned a reputation as an innovative and passionate educator, implementing impactful programs like ``Blackcats Don't Bully'' to combat bullying and ``Colonel's Kids'' to support underperforming students from low-income backgrounds. These initiatives benefited over 400 students and helped earn him recognition as runner- up for Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) Elementary Principal of the Year in 2002. He also helped the district achieve its first-ever ``Exemplary'' rating and introduced several science-focused initiatives, including dedicated labs and an outdoor classroom. His educational philosophy emphasizes that every child can learn when properly led and supported, a belief he carried throughout his career.

In addition to his educational work, Lt. Col. Matthews remained deeply engaged in civic life. He served multiple terms as president and song leader of the century-old Mexia Lions Club and founded the ``Red, White, and Blue Car Show'' in 2012, which became the club's major fundraising event. He has also been a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Mexia since 1992, serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and director, and choir member. He has actively participated in church productions like the Easter Pageant and Christmas Dinner Theater. His return to teaching in 2012, where he taught physics and coached golf until his final retirement in 2022, underscores his unwavering commitment to youth development and community enrichment.

His exemplary record of military valor, educational leadership, and civic dedication makes him an ideal recipient of the Congressional Veteran Commendation. It is with great honor and respect that I present retired USA Lieutenant Colonel William (Bill) Patterson Matthews with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas.

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