Floor SpeechNeutral2026-10-13

RECOGNIZING GARY DEAN ROEMMICK, WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

ImmigrationEnvironmentForeign PolicyDefenseChinaVeteransAgriculture

Context

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

Full Text

RECOGNIZING GARY DEAN 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 E1072-E1073] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING GARY DEAN 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 Gary Dean Roemmick of China Spring, Texas, with a 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation. Gary's honorable military service, decades of professional leadership, and continued commitment to serving his community and fellow veterans reflect the hard work, generosity, and dedication that exemplify the very best of our East Texas values. Gary entered the United States Navy in December 1965 and served through 1971, attaining the rank of Aviation Mechanic, ADR3, E-4. Gary's duty stations included San Diego, California; Naval Air Station Millington, Tennessee; and Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Florida. As a Plane Captain with the VT-2 Training Squadron, Gary was responsible for pre-flight and post-flight inspections and servicing of T-28 Trojan aircraft. Gary oversaw thousands of takeoffs and landings and coordinated necessary followup maintenance. Gary's responsibilities also included assisting with the recovery of several flight training accidents in which officers in training were lost. Gary received an honorable discharge in 1967 and continued serving in the Inactive Reserve until 1971 and his military service was recognized with the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Following his military service, Gary began a long and successful career in the private sector. Gary worked for Delta Airlines at Dallas Love Field as a Ramp Service Agent before joining Payless Cashway, Inc. in 1972. Beginning in floor sales, Gary advanced into management and ultimately served as a Store Manager for many years. In 1984, Gary transferred to Waco, where he continued as a Payless Cashways Store Manager until 2001. Gary's management skills and dedication were recognized through twelve Gold and Silver Achievement Awards during his career with the company. Gary later served as Store Manager for Waco Insulation Supply Company from 2001 to 2008. Gary's commitment to service became especially evident after he and his wife, Patricia, established roots in the China Spring community. Gary has been actively involved with the China Spring Lions Club, participating in fundraisers, the Fall Festival, school scholarship programs, and other community service projects. Gary has also served with the China Spring Youth Association as a board member, equipment manager, and youth athletics coach, as well as supporting the China Spring Athletic Booster Club and Future Farmers of America Boosters, where he helped students with animals and livestock shows. Since 2023, Gary has continued his service to others through his volunteer work with the Waco Veterans One-Stop, sponsored by the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network. Gary has become a dependable source of assistance for local veterans, helping prepare, serve, and clean up after weekly and special occasion meals. Gary has delivered meals to veterans at Ridgecrest Retirement and Assisted Living and has provided transportation for veterans traveling to and from the Veterans One-Stop to meet with counselors and Veteran Service Officers. Gary also coordinates free haircuts for veterans and, when needed, has volunteered to mow the yards of veterans who require assistance. Gary's service extends to special events and activities designed to strengthen the veteran community. Gary has helped organize and support Thanksgiving, Christmas, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day meals at the [[Page E1073]] Veterans One-Stop and played an active role in a fishing tournament that brought together disabled and able-bodied veterans for fellowship and recreation. Gary's willingness to assist wherever needed has made him a trusted and valued volunteer, with a simple philosophy: when veterans need assistance, Gary steps up. Gary's lifetime of service was further recognized when he received a custom-made Quilt of Valor honoring his military and community service. From his years serving his country in the United States Navy to his decades of professional leadership and his continued volunteer work supporting veterans, young people, schools, and neighbors, Gary has consistently demonstrated a willingness to give his time and talents to others. It is this lifetime of honorable military service, leadership, volunteerism, and devotion to his community and fellow veterans that I proudly commend Gary Dean Roemmick of China Spring, Texas, to his friends, family, community, and country. His continued commitment to serving others embodies the spirit of the Congressional Veteran Commendation, and it is my honor to recognize him with the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING GARY DEAN 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 E1072-E1073] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING GARY DEAN 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 Gary Dean Roemmick of China Spring, Texas, with a 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation. Gary's honorable military service, decades of professional leadership, and continued commitment to serving his community and fellow veterans reflect the hard work, generosity, and dedication that exemplify the very best of our East Texas values. Gary entered the United States Navy in December 1965 and served through 1971, attaining the rank of Aviation Mechanic, ADR3, E-4. Gary's duty stations included San Diego, California; Naval Air Station Millington, Tennessee; and Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Florida. As a Plane Captain with the VT-2 Training Squadron, Gary was responsible for pre-flight and post-flight inspections and servicing of T-28 Trojan aircraft. Gary oversaw thousands of takeoffs and landings and coordinated necessary followup maintenance. Gary's responsibilities also included assisting with the recovery of several flight training accidents in which officers in training were lost. Gary received an honorable discharge in 1967 and continued serving in the Inactive Reserve until 1971 and his military service was recognized with the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Following his military service, Gary began a long and successful career in the private sector. Gary worked for Delta Airlines at Dallas Love Field as a Ramp Service Agent before joining Payless Cashway, Inc. in 1972. Beginning in floor sales, Gary advanced into management and ultimately served as a Store Manager for many years. In 1984, Gary transferred to Waco, where he continued as a Payless Cashways Store Manager until 2001. Gary's management skills and dedication were recognized through twelve Gold and Silver Achievement Awards during his career with the company. Gary later served as Store Manager for Waco Insulation Supply Company from 2001 to 2008. Gary's commitment to service became especially evident after he and his wife, Patricia, established roots in the China Spring community. Gary has been actively involved with the China Spring Lions Club, participating in fundraisers, the Fall Festival, school scholarship programs, and other community service projects. Gary has also served with the China Spring Youth Association as a board member, equipment manager, and youth athletics coach, as well as supporting the China Spring Athletic Booster Club and Future Farmers of America Boosters, where he helped students with animals and livestock shows. Since 2023, Gary has continued his service to others through his volunteer work with the Waco Veterans One-Stop, sponsored by the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network. Gary has become a dependable source of assistance for local veterans, helping prepare, serve, and clean up after weekly and special occasion meals. Gary has delivered meals to veterans at Ridgecrest Retirement and Assisted Living and has provided transportation for veterans traveling to and from the Veterans One-Stop to meet with counselors and Veteran Service Officers. Gary also coordinates free haircuts for veterans and, when needed, has volunteered to mow the yards of veterans who require assistance. Gary's service extends to special events and activities designed to strengthen the veteran community. Gary has helped organize and support Thanksgiving, Christmas, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day meals at the [[Page E1073]] Veterans One-Stop and played an active role in a fishing tournament that brought together disabled and able-bodied veterans for fellowship and recreation. Gary's willingness to assist wherever needed has made him a trusted and valued volunteer, with a simple philosophy: when veterans need assistance, Gary steps up. Gary's lifetime of service was further recognized when he received a custom-made Quilt of Valor honoring his military and community service. From his years serving his country in the United States Navy to his decades of professional leadership and his continued volunteer work supporting veterans, young people, schools, and neighbors, Gary has consistently demonstrated a willingness to give his time and talents to others. It is this lifetime of honorable military service, leadership, volunteerism, and devotion to his community and fellow veterans that I proudly commend Gary Dean Roemmick of China Spring, Texas, to his friends, family, community, and country. His continued commitment to serving others embodies the spirit of the Congressional Veteran Commendation, and it is my honor to recognize him with the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas. ____________________