Dear Friends,

Today and every day, let us honor the remarkable individuals who have answered the call of duty, defended our freedom, and embodied the highest ideals of selflessness and courage. The debt of gratitude we owe to those who have shown extraordinary bravery in the face of adversity can never be fully repaid. Yet, we must recognize the profound impact their service has had on both their lives and our own.
 
This week, I want to take a moment to honor the exceptional men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. Honoring our veterans is vital to understanding the legacy and God-given freedoms we are so blessed to have as Americans. Let us reflect on the sacrifices and service still needed today, and ask ourselves, "What am I willing to do for my country?" I challenge you to consider how you will honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women who gave so much for our nation. God has a calling for each of us to play a role in this great country, and these men and women are a testament to fulfilling that calling, as authored by our Creator.

Initiatives like the Brookshire Grocery Company’s Heroes Flight give us a way to express our profound gratitude and respect for our veterans' sacrifices. On Monday, my staff and I, accompanied by the Apache Belles from Tyler Junior College, greeted the Heroes Flight at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This year’s flight was made up of veterans from Texas and Arkansas who served in World War II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and the War in Iraq. Due to COVID, the last Heroes Flight was conducted in 2019; it was a great honor to be involved in the first returning flight. We loaded up the bus, did a final roll call, and headed to the Library of Congress (LOC), where we were privileged to receive a police escort by the U.S. Capitol Police!

At the LOC, Arkansas Congressman Bruce Westerman joined us as veterans were presented with a private tour of the library and a special collection featuring records from various conflicts, bringing back memories for those who served. I want to thank the LOC for opening their doors and showcasing special archives for our veterans. They were visibly moved by the exhibition, making it a powerful moment for all of us.

Next, we headed to the U.S. Capitol, where the veterans enjoyed a delicious dinner in the Members’ Dining Room of the U.S. House of Representatives. There, Congressman Westerman and I expressed our appreciation by presenting each veteran with a flag and a certificate verifying that it had been flown over the U.S. Capitol in their honor. It was a small gesture to show our respect for their sacrifice and service to our country—and for the flag they fought to protect.

We ended our eventful day with a night tour of the Capitol. We visited the Crypt beneath the dome, then headed up to the Rotunda, where I shared the rich history displayed throughout this historic building with the veterans. We made sure to stop by the Speaker's Balcony for scenic views of the National Mall and Washington, D.C.—the best view of the city!

Finally, we concluded the night with a tour of the Floor of the House of Representatives, where Congressman Westerman and I discussed how Floor procedure works, how a bill is passed, and shared some stories from our time serving in the House. It was a fantastic day, and my staff and I were honored to spend time with each of these veterans who made the trip to Washington, D.C. These men and women are true American heroes, and our country owes them a great debt for their sacrifice and service.

I want to especially thank Ann Brookshire, the Brookshire Grocery Company, American Airlines, Envoy Air, Tyler Junior College, and the Guardians from this flight for putting together this wonderful trip. Their dedication and service made for a seamless day filled with laughter, incredible stories, and treasured memories that impacted everyone involved. I’m looking forward to the next Heroes Flight!
 
To read more from KLTV about the Brookshire Grocery Company’s Heroes Flight and Blake Holland’s coverage of their visit, click here.

The dictionary defines a ‘hero’ as ‘a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.’ Earlier this month, I had the privilege of sitting down with someone in the East Texas community who truly embodies that definition — World War II veteran Elmer ‘Jack’ Hetzel. As part of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, I interviewed him to learn about his life and service, not only to our country but also to our community. He took part in D-Day and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, but his admirable acts continued far past his heroic military career.

After his time in the military, Hetzel dedicated his life to serving Christ. He traveled across the United States and overseas, teaching service members and American citizens about the gospel. We are indebted to Hetzel for the tremendous impact he has had on the thousands who came to Christ through his ministry. Even today, at the remarkable age of 102, Hetzel continues to preach the gospel to his community in East Texas, making a profound impact on all who receive the Word through him. Click on the image above, or here, to watch our full conversation!

Moran in the Media