RECOGNIZING PATRICIA ANN ROEMMICK, WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

On 2026-10-13, Representative Pete Sessions (R-TX-17) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING PATRICIA ANN ROEMMICK, WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION" in the House.

RECOGNIZING PATRICIA ANN ROEMMICK, WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1069-E1070] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING PATRICIA ANN ROEMMICK, WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION ______ HON. PETE SESSIONS of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to present Patricia Ann Roemmick of China Spring, Texas, with a 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation. Patricia's honorable military service and decades of dedication to her community, young people, and fellow veterans reflect the selflessness, compassion, and commitment that exemplify the very best of our Texas values. Patricia entered the United States Navy in October 1964 and served honorably through October 1967, attaining the rank of Communications Yeoman, CYN3 (E-4), Patricia served at the U.S. Naval Training Center in Bainbridge, Maryland, and at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Florida. Patricia's responsibilities included serving as a PBX Operator, Telegraphic Operator, and Radioman. As computers were beginning to be incorporated into military operations, Patricia received additional training at a nearby college, which ultimately provided her with classified access to the Command Center. In that role, Patricia supported missions that included both successful and tragic Apollo missions, as well as numerous Navy flying units operating from Whiting Field. Patricia served during a particularly demanding period at Whiting Field, where Navy aviation training involved significant risks. Patricia's attention to detail and dedication to her duties contributed to the station being recognized as an Albany AESC Tributary of the Month after handling more than 1,000 messages without a single violation. Patricia's commanding officer specifically recognized her performance, pride in her work, and contribution to the station's achievement. Patricia received an Honorable Discharge in 1967 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Patricia's commitment to service continued after her military career. Following her discharge, Patricia and her husband, Gary, moved to Arlington, Texas, where she worked in marketing for the Marriott hotel chain for eleven years. In 1984, they moved to China Spring, where Patricia became a teacher's aide for the local school district. During her time with China Spring schools, she actively supported the PTA, athletic programs, 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and Future Homemakers of America. Patricia's dedication to the school community was formally recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding service and contributions to China Spring Elementary School. Patricia has also devoted countless hours to supporting young people and strengthening her community. Beginning in 2018, she became involved with the China Spring Young Farmers Fund, helping raise money to assist young farmers with livestock shows and state meetings and supporting efforts to build the China Spring Agriculture Barn. Patricia and her husband have remained active members of the China Spring Athletic Booster Club and have volunteered with Meals on Wheels, including stocking shelves for Christmas deliveries and providing financial support. Through the China Spring Civics Club, Patricia has supported numerous community initiatives, including preservation of the China Spring Tabernacle historical site, China Spring Cares, Isaiah 117 House, student memorial scholarships, Christmas Families, Meals on Wheels, and fundraisers for the China Spring Volunteer Fire Department. Patricia has also collected blankets for the blind at Doris Miller Medical Center and blankets for distribution during Veterans Day parades. Patricia's service has extended to Brookdale Nursing Home, where she has helped with Valentine's Day activities and distributed lap blankets to military veterans residing there. Patricia's dedication to veterans remains an important part of her service today. Through [[Page E1070]] the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network's Waco Veterans One-Stop, Patricia volunteers at the front desk, welcomes and assists veterans and other visitors, helps with meals and special events such as Thanksgiving, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day, participates in the Veterans Day Parade, and delivers lunches to residents at Ridgecrest Retirement Home. Patricia's continued willingness to serve veterans and those in need demonstrates that her commitment to service did not end with her military discharge. Patricia and her husband, Gary, are the proud parents of two adult children, Robin and Jason. Throughout her life, Patricia has consistently demonstrated a willingness to give her time, talents, and resources to others. From her honorable service in the United States Navy to her work with children and schools, support for agriculture and community organizations, and continued service to veterans, she has built a legacy defined by compassion, reliability, and community spirit. It is this lifetime of honorable military service, volunteerism, and devotion to her community, young people, and fellow veterans that I proudly commend Patricia Ann Roemmick of China Spring, Texas, to her friends, family, community, and country. Patricia's continued commitment to serving others embodies the spirit of the Congressional Veteran Commendation, and it is my honor to recognize her with the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas. ____________________