Recognizing Congressional Patriot Award Recipient Dennis Lewis

Floor Speech

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Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Mr. Dennis Lewis of Texarkana, Texas, and to present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Dennis has dedicated his life to faithfully serving his community and country.

Born in Texarkana, Texas, Dennis attended Maud High School, graduating in 1970, before pursuing higher education at United Electronics Institute, Texarkana College, the University of North Carolina, and Army Management Staff College, Army Logistics Management College, where he completed the Leadership Management Program and Logistics Management program. In 1971, he married his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, Paula Graham Lewis, with whom he has shared 54 years of marriage, three kids, six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

After graduating, Dennis began his professional career with the Department of Army at Red River Army Depot in 1972, where he would serve for 39 years until his retirement in 2011. He applied his expertise in electronics by working on cobra helicopter systems and subsequently advanced from technician to senior management.

Beyond his professional career, Dennis has demonstrated exceptional dedication to civic and political engagement. He gave back to his hometown of Maud by serving as a school board member and city councilman. He served for 20 years as Chairman of the Selective Service Local Board, as a member of the Military Services Nomination Board for Senator Cruz, as a Director for the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, and currently as Chair of the Red River Credit Union Supervisory Committee.

In 1986, Dennis was awarded the Outstanding Community Service Award by the Army and later received the Department of the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award. While Dennis has been recognized with numerous distinguished service and leadership awards, he considers his greatest accomplishments to be his three sons growing into dedicated fathers and his enduring marriage to Paula.

Dennis Lewis' lifelong commitment to his community, his profession, and his Nation truly exemplifies what it means to be a patriot. It is an honor to recognize his exceptional contributions and to present him with the Congressional Patriot Award in appreciation of his steadfast service to the people of Texarkana his family, and the United States of America.

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