HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO MARK KOCHALKA

On 2026-09-16, Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO MARK KOCHALKA" in the House.

HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO MARK KOCHALKA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E950] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO MARK KOCHALKA ______ HON. BETH VAN DUYNE of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Mark Kochalka. He has dedicated his life to service, with more than 25 years of distinguished service in the United States Navy. Mark new as a P-3C instructor pilot and Mission Commander, deploying multiple times to the Middle East. During his final tour in Iraq and Afghanistan, he led a special forces drone unit. His leadership earned recognition from both his peers and superiors. Today, Mark continues to serve North Texas in his role at Boeing; his work ensures that our service members have the technology they need to complete their missions and return home safely. Outside of work, he is a devoted husband, father, and active community member in Midway Hills. I thank Mark for his lifelong commitment to duty, leadership, and commitment to making North Texas stronger. ____________________