RECOGNIZING TECHNICAL SERGEANT PHILIP JAY GABBERT, U.S. AIR FORCE (RET.), WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

On 2026-10-15, Representative Pete Sessions (R-TX-17) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING TECHNICAL SERGEANT PHILIP JAY GABBERT, U.S. AIR FORCE (RET.), WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION" in the House.

RECOGNIZING TECHNICAL SERGEANT PHILIP JAY GABBERT, U.S. AIR FORCE (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 E1090-E1091] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING TECHNICAL SERGEANT PHILIP JAY GABBERT, U.S. AIR FORCE (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 Dr. Philip Jay Gabbert of Lufkin, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation in recognition of his distinguished military career, his service to our Nation, and his extraordinary commitment to veterans and the community. Dr. Gabbert's life reflects the very best traditions of military service: integrity, dedication, sacrifice, and a commitment to serving others. His service began more than five decades ago when he entered the United States Air Force in 1972. He would go on to serve approximately 20 years on active duty, attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant and serving as an Electrical and Switching Systems Technician. During his Air Force career, Dr. Gabbert served his country across the United States and around the world. His assignments included Barksdale Air Force Base, Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, NORAD in Colorado Springs, Misawa Air Base in Japan, Lindsey Air Station in Germany, and what became Air Force Space Command in Colorado Springs. His responsibilities included telecommunications, combat communications, equipment accountability, safety, quality control, and communications systems. He was entrusted with important responsibilities because of his technical expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to excellence. While stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Dr. Gabbert served with the Honor Guard, participating in military funeral services and community parades. During his service, he also demonstrated exceptional weapons proficiency, earning expert marksmanship qualifications. His military service included overseas assignments and support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. From August 1990 through February 1991, he served during a critical period in our Nation's history, answering the call when American forces were called upon to defend freedom and confront aggression in the Middle East. His awards include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and Combat Communications Group recognition. Yet Dr. Gabble's service was never limited to the responsibilities of his military occupation. While stationed overseas, he volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America and assisted young people participating in an international World Jamboree. He also became involved with the Girl Scouts, helping support successful cookie-sale activities, and volunteered with the American Red Cross as an instructor. His dedication was so extraordinary that he was recognized for contributing more than 1,000 volunteer hours annually for three consecutive years. He also became involved with the Japanese-American Friendship Club while stationed at Misawa Air Base, helping strengthen relationships between American service members and the Japanese community. In 1992, Dr. Gabbert honorably retired from the United States Air Force. But retirement from military service did not mean retirement from service. Following his military career, Dr. Gabbert continued his education and professional development, ultimately earning a Ph.D. in Information Technology. He worked in technology, telecommunications, education, and technical support, using his knowledge and experience to help others. Perhaps most importantly, however, Dr. Gabbert found a new mission in serving his fellow veterans. Through his involvement with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Air & Space Forces Association, he has devoted countless hours to helping veterans obtain the benefits they earned through their military service. Dr. Gabbert is a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans, Air & Space Forces Association, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He serves as a Service Officer with both the VFW and American Legion and serves as a VFW Chaplain. He has personally assisted many veterans in navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs disability claims process. He teaches them how to understand their claims, gather supporting documentation, prepare for Compensation and Pension examinations, monitor their cases, and advocate for themselves, Dr. Gabbert also gives approximately 120 hours each month to veterans' organizations and other community-service activities. Through Hospice in the Pines, he participates in veteran recognition and pinning ceremonies honoring veterans near the end of their lives. He helps ensure that these veterans and their families know that their sacrifices are remembered and appreciated. He has participated in numerous such ceremonies, providing dignity and recognition to veterans and comfort to their families. He also participates annually in Wreaths Across America, helping honor and remember deceased American service members. Through the American Legion, he assists with the annual Four Chaplains Ceremony, commemorating four Army chaplains who sacrificed their own lives to save others during World War II. Dr. Gabbert understands that serving veterans also means investing in the next generation. He serves as a coordinator connecting the Lufkin High School JROTC program with the Army National Guard unit in Lufkin, helping strengthen the relationship between young people, military organizations, and the veteran community. His commitment to his community extends even beyond veterans and military organizations. On numerous occasions, Dr. Gabbert has volunteered in character as Uncle [[Page E1091]] Sam and Santa Claus at community events. He has brought joy and fellowship to senior citizens, veterans at VFW posts and veterans centers, patients and visitors at VA facilities, and members of the broader community. These acts demonstrate something important about Dr. Gabbert's character. He understands that service is not always about recognition. Sometimes service means simply showing up, giving your time, bringing encouragement to someone who needs it, or making another person feel remembered. Dr. Gabbert's story demonstrates that military service does not end when a veteran hangs up the uniform. More than five decades after first answering the call to serve, he continues to dedicate his time and talents to others. His legacy can be seen in the veterans he has helped navigate the VA system, the families who have received comfort during hospice recognition ceremonies, the fallen service members remembered through Wreaths Across America, the young people encouraged through JROTC and Scouting, and the countless neighbors who have benefited from his willingness to volunteer. It is my privilege to recognize Dr. Philip Jay Gabbert for his distinguished military service, his extraordinary volunteerism, and his lifelong dedication to veterans, military families, and his community. ____________________