Today Congressman Michael C. Burgess (R-Lewisville) recognized the three veterans who received this year’s Congressional Veteran Commendation (CVC). The CVC was created five years ago to honor the distinguished living veterans of Texas’ 26th Congressional District.

The three recipients of this year’s Congressional Veteran Commendation are Corporal Arthur F. Berg (U.S. Army) of Lewisville, Colonel Ernest L. Isbell (U.S. Army) of Highland Village and Captain Hank Scheible (U.S. Air Force) of Denton.

“These extraordinary individuals were honored for their patriotic, dedicated service in the Armed Forces of the United States and continued beneficial service to their communities,” said Burgess. “They have not only served honorably in our armed forces, but have also continued their dedication to the nation by serving the people of their communities.”

This year’s commendations were presented at the seventh annual “Salute Our Veterans” luncheon sponsored by the Highland Village Business Association and the City of Highland Village. Burgess was unable to attend the Highland Village event due to his attendance at the Fort Hood memorial service, so LtGen Charles R. Hamm, USAF (Ret.) who chaired the Congressional Veteran Commendation Review Board and was a past recipient, presented this year’s commendations on behalf of Congressman Burgess. Other members of the Review Board and past recipients as well are Johnnie Bulen, Reby Cary, Thomas Blagg and Woodrow Wilson Burch.

In addition to recognizing this year’s Congressional Veteran Commendation recipients, the family of Captain Robert J. Widmer, Army Air Corps, was presented the posthumous award of their father’s Distinguished Flying Cross (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster with Valor) for his heroism while participating in aerial flight over Hungary on April 13, 1944.

Also honored today was Mrs. Betty Jo Streff Reed of North Richland Hills, for her pioneering service as a Woman’s Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) during WWII. Mrs. Reed was presented a signed copy of House Resolution 2014, which awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the WASPs. Congressman Burgess was a co-sponsor of the bill which was signed into law this summer.

“Thank you again to all the veterans for your service to the United State of America,” Burgess said. “On behalf of the citizens of the 26th District and of a grateful nation, we are forever in your debt.”

PHOTO: (pictured l-r) Hank Scheible, Ernest L. Isbell, Betty Jo Streff Reed, Arthur F. Berg, Robert J. Widmer, Jr., Charlie Hamm