RECOGNIZING SERGEANT FIRST CLASS TYRONNE JONATHON JONES, U.S. ARMY (RET.), WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

On 2026-10-15, Representative Pete Sessions (R-TX-17) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING SERGEANT FIRST CLASS TYRONNE JONATHON JONES, U.S. ARMY (RET.), WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION" in the House.

RECOGNIZING SERGEANT FIRST CLASS TYRONNE JONATHON JONES, U.S. ARMY (RET.), WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 161 (Thursday, October 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 161 (Thursday, October 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1083-E1084] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING SERGEANT FIRST CLASS TYRONNE JONATHON JONES, U.S. ARMY (RET.), WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION ______ HON. PETE SESSIONS of texas in the house of representatives Thursday, October 15, 2026 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to present retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Tyronne Jonathon Jones of Crockett, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation in recognition of his impressive service to his community and country. For more than 20 years, Tyronne served our Nation in the United States Army, retiring as a Sergeant First Class in 2023. His military career included service with the 1st Special Forces Group, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, and other aviation and cavalry units, where he developed expertise in aircraft armament, avionics, and unmanned aircraft systems. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Spartan Shield, and Operation Inherent Resolve, serving in locations all across the Europe and the Middle East. But behind those deployments and decorations is a story of extraordinary courage and sacrifice. In January 2014, while deployed to Afghanistan with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Staff Sgt. Jones was caught in a deadly insurgent attack on his forward operating base. On January 20, 2014, insurgents penetrated the compound following a massive explosion and opened fire. Jones was struck by a gunshot during the firefight. Beside him was his Chief Warrant Officer, who was killed in the attack. Jones and his Chief Warrant Officer provided covering fire while junior troops worked to get civilians to safety. The Officer paid the ultimate price for his devotion to his fellow Soldiers. Jones survived the attack, but he was seriously wounded and ultimately evacuated through Kandahar and Bagram before arriving at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. That wound earned him the Purple Heart, one of our Nation's oldest and most respected military decorations. The Purple Heart represents more than an award on a uniform. It is a reminder that Sergeant First Class Jones was willing to put his own life in danger for his fellow Soldiers and for the mission of the United States Army. What happened next tells us even more about the character of this remarkable American. Tyronne had planned to reenlist while deployed in Afghanistan. His reenlistment ceremony was supposed to be conducted by his Chief Warrant Officer. Instead, Jones was forced to recover from his injuries at Landstuhl. Yet while recovering from his combat wounds, Jones still chose to reenlist. On February 19, 2014, he took the oath of enlistment again at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his family and fellow Soldiers. His decision demonstrated a profound commitment to his country. He refused to allow an enemy attack to determine when his service would end. That is the kind of courage that deserves recognition. What makes Tyronne particularly deserving of this Congressional Veteran Commendation is that his service did not end when his military career ended. After retiring from the Army in 2023, Tyronne continued serving the people of Crockett. Just one week before his military retirement, he began a new chapter of public service as a Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Crockett. In this position, he works to help maintain the safety, appearance, and quality of life of his community. The City of Crockett has recognized Jones and other veterans employed by the city for their commitment not only to our Nation, but to their continued service to the local community. He also continued his commitment to his fellow veterans by joining American Legion Post 134, where he serves as Post Adjutant. In that role, Tyronne helps veterans and their families navigate difficult circumstances and provides assistance when they need it most. He has helped support veterans with necessities such as household expenses, utilities, automobiles, home repairs, and accessibility needs. He also helps organize meals and fellowship opportunities for veterans and first responders--creating the kind of community where those who have served our country know that their service has not been forgotten. His commitment to Crockett extends into the broader community as well. Tyronne serves on the Board of Directors of the Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce, helping promote local businesses and strengthen the community he now calls home. He has also volunteered with the Houston County Search and Rescue team, putting his training, discipline, and experience to work when his neighbors need assistance. And he has continued finding ways to serve through his volunteer work with the American Red Cross. That is the meaning of a true citizen- soldier. The same qualities that made Tyronne a great Soldier--discipline, courage, leadership, loyalty, and commitment to others--continue to make him an outstanding member of the East Texas community. I am proud to recognize Sergeant First Class Tyronne J. Jones as a recipient of the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation. On behalf of the people of Texas's 17th Congressional District, I thank Tyronne for more than two decades of honorable military service, for the sacrifices represented by his Purple Heart, and for everything he continues to do for his fellow veterans and his community. [[Page E1084]] ____________________