[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E343-E344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING CONGRESSIONAL PATRIOT AWARD RECIPIENT RALPH O'DELL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 28, 2025

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ralph O'Dell 
of Celina, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. 
Ralph has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and 
country.
  Ralph is a veteran of the Second World War and served with the United 
States Army from 1943 to 1946. He participated in the South Pacific 
campaign, and after being honorably discharged, he joined the Army 
Reserves in 1948 where he remained until 1985. For his distinguished 
service, Ralph has received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Southern 
Philippine Islands Campaign with one Bronze Star, the Philippine 
Liberation Medal and Ribbon with one bronze Star, and many more 
commendations.
  In addition to his military service, Ralph has continued to be a 
fierce advocate for American values and a dedicated community 
volunteer. He served as the President of Oak Cliff Junior Chamber of 
Commerce and was a member of Rotary International, the Texas Silver-
Haired Legislature, the Reserve Officers Association, Veterans of 
Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. Ralph also assisted with 
Salvation Army and Red Cross drives to support those in need. As a 
result of his outstanding work, he was recognized as Celina's Citizen 
of the Year several times and received the Key to the City from 
Celina's mayor. Moreover, the Ralph O'Dell Senior Center in Celina has 
been established in recognition of Ralph's decades of service as a 
senior center coordinator. He is also a man of faith, and he regularly 
attends First Methodist Church in Celina. I am pleased to recognize 
Ralph today for being an upstanding American patriot and his

[[Page E344]]

ongoing pursuit for freedom, strength, and integrity in our Nation.
  It is an honor to bestow Ralph with the Patriot Award for his 
exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

                          ____________________