Highland Village, TX – Yesterday, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after he presented five former U.S. Armed Forces members with the 2017 26^th Congressional District Veteran Commendation (CVC). The CVC, established in 2005, honors distinguished veterans who have continued their dedication to the nation by serving their local communities after selflessly serving their country in military service.

“While these selfless patriots may have retired their service uniforms, they are not finished serving our nation and North Texas,” said Dr. Burgess. “I want to extend my deepest appreciation to all of the nominees for their service to our country.

“Our nation is truly blessed to have had such fine men and women answer the call to duty. As our armed forces bear the burden of protecting our liberty and freedom, our veterans deserve all of the respect and care that our country has to offer.”

This year’s commendations were presented at the annual “Salute Our Veterans” luncheon hosted by the City of Highland Village and the Highland Village Business Association. Nominations were received from the community, veterans’ organizations and civic organizations. The five recipients of the 2017 Congressional Commendation are:

• Paul Farrar (US Army), Denton           
• Donald Graves (US Marine Corps), Fort Worth
• Paul Perez Jr. (US Air Force), Flower Mound
• Donald Phillips (US Navy), Denton                              
• Johnnie Yellock II (US Air Force), Lantana

During the ceremony, Dr. Burgess presented each recipient with a commendation and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. In addition, local fallen heroes of the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts and their families were also recognized for the ultimate sacrifice they made to defend our nation and protect our freedom.

Pictured: 2017 Congressional Veteran Commendation Recipients with U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess, M.D. (left to right:) Paul Perez, Jr., Donald Graves, Congressman Michael Burgess, Paul Farrar, Johnnie Yellock II, Donald Phillip