Recognizing Danny Charles Masur with A Congressional Veteran Commendation

Floor Speech

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Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Danny Charles Masur, of Rockdale, Texas, by presenting him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His persistent efforts in fostering beliefs of sacrifice and respect reflect his value as a leader during service and in retirement.

After completing his early education in Lockhart, Texas public schools, Danny enrolled at Southwest Texas State College. Within his first week there, he recognized the potential of the ROTC program, and after his first experience with them he was set on a path to earn his pilot's license, graduate, and head to Air Force Pilot Training as soon as possible. He dedicated five years and one day of service to his country before his release from active duty.

Beginning in June 1968, Danny spent a year at Del Rio's Laughlin AFB Pilot Training, and upon completion he was assigned to Dover AFB, Delaware's Military Airlift Command. He flew the C-133 Cargomaster, the largest military transport aircraft at that time. Danny flew special missions world-wide including flights into Vietnam, followed by European and Middle Eastern trips supporting our Nation's Cold War military exercises. He also flew into other various conflicts such as the Israel-Jordan Crisis, and across the world to Pakistan, Ethiopia, Panama, Greenland, and Libya. Danny had the privilege of flying the last C-133 to the Boneyard at Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

After leaving the Air Force, Danny became a tracking pilot/recovery supervisor at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. He was located in Palestine, Texas at their Balloon facility, wherein, alongside some of the world's top scientists and astrophysicists, he contributed to invaluable scientific discoveries in the facilities critical outer space work.

Danny then moved to work at the ALCOA plant in Rockdale, Texas, where he began dedicating his life to his family and several community volunteer organizations. For twenty-two years he was a board member of the Rockdale Fair Association, as well as the Goat Superintendent and Vice-President of Fiscal Affairs. In 1982, he joined the Rockdale Knights of Columbus, serving as Columbus Club treasurer for 18 years and spending significant time as a Crew Leader. Since 2012, Danny has served as a Board Member for Minerva Water Supply Corporation; and for 17 years has served the Minerva community as a volunteer fireman where he currently serves as their treasurer.

Alongside his wife, Linda Matocha Masur, Danny has dedicated 58 years of marriage to raising four children and has extended his love and commitment to nurturing nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Danny's heart has never left the sky. As a pilot in the Rockdale Flying Tigers Flight Club, Danny is an EAA member and works with the Young Eagles Flight Program giving introductory flights. He has been an instructor pilot for years, serving as a technical, emotional, and mental mentor to many students who have made piloting their career.

It is with great honor and respect that I present Danny Charles Masur with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas. His exemplary service to our Nation and continued contributions to his community stand as an inspiration to us all.

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