Recognizing Kenneth Warren Lee with A Congressional Veteran Commendation

Floor Speech

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Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present Kenneth Warren Lee, of Huntsville, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His hard work and dedication epitomize the best of East Texas values.

Kenneth Lee enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1963 when only eighteen years old. His 6 years of honorable active duty set the stage for a lifetime of service. Ken completed Instructors Orientation School, Military Police School, and a Criminal Investigation course-and was deployed to Viet Nam. He was rewarded with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (2 Stars), Vietnam Campaign Medal (w/device), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and a Presidential Unit Citation.

Ken left the Corps as a Staff Sergeant in 1969. He married Judy, the love of his life, and they began building the life they still share. Using his military training and experience, Ken immediately went to work for the Dallas Police Department. In 1975 he transitioned to the DEA, retiring in 1999. His ``retirement'' was short lived: Ken served with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Security Threat Groups from 1999 to 2005, where he conceived the Gang Renouncement and Disassociation program still utilized today.

Ken is a lifetime member and leader of the VFW and active in the American Legion. He is Board President of the H.E.A.R.T.S. (Helping Every American Remember Through Serving) Veterans Museum of Texas in Huntsville. Working with other volunteers, Ken helped the museum grow from its infancy to its current permanent home--and has done it all-- from setting up displays to giving tours and cleaning up at the end of a long day. After hosting the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, and with personal inspiration and leadership, Ken led fundraising to build an 80 percent scale version of the Wall, in permanent tribute to our Texas Vietnam veteran heroes. Ken also leads H.E.A.R.T.S. outreach, assisting veterans with transportation, coordinating medical appointments, home modifications, groceries, and everything in between.

He has served as President of the Texas Narcotics Officer Association. Ken and Judy both assist with Vacation Bible School, and Ken serves on the church security team. This tireless couple often supports many other community organizations and clubs.

I proudly commend Kenneth Warren Lee of Huntsville to his friends, family, and colleagues, and salute his enduring service to the Corps and community with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas.

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