October 28, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 170 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1347-E1348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT BARNETT WALKER, RECIPIENT OF TEXAS' 
  THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2019 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. VAN TAYLOR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 28, 2019

  Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, it is my privilege to honor twelve 
distinguished military veterans from Texas' Third Congressional 
District who answered the call to serve their

[[Page E1348]]

Nation honorably, both in uniform and following their return to 
civilian life. The recipients of the 2019 Congressional Veteran 
Commendation exemplify the time-honored qualities of patriotism, 
service before self, and bold leadership. Following their time in 
service, their efforts in our community have earned these fine 
individuals recognition as the recipients of this prestigious 
commendation. Their stories of sacrifice will encourage future 
generations to pursue a life dedicated to the very values we cherish as 
Americans: faith, freedom, and democracy. One such hero is Senior 
Master Sergeant Barnett Walker of Prosper, Texas.
   For twenty-two years, retired Master Sergeant Barnett Walker proudly 
served our nation with distinction in the United States Air Force. 
During his military career, Walker was awarded 25 different military 
decorations, most notably three Meritorious Service Medals, four Joint 
Service Commendation Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint 
Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, and the Air 
Force Recognition Ribbon following his selection as Senior Non-
Commissioned Officer of the Year at every level including the United 
States Air Force Headquarters.
   Throughout his career, Walker volunteered for the most hazardous 
military operations in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was stationed 
at United States Central Command under General H. Norman Schwarzkopf 
and was part of the first wave of U.S. military forces that arrived in 
Saudi Arabia in August 1990. Then-Technical Sergeant Walker was in 
charge of the Joint Communication Center that processed real-time 
classified communications and intelligence to the President of the 
United States, the Joint Commanders-in-Chiefs, and other U.S.-led 
coalition countries. From 1993-1994, Master Sergeant Walker volunteered 
for assignment in support of Operation Provide Comfort, where he served 
as First Sergeant and Non-Commissioned Officer In-Charge of the 
Communications and Intelligence facility which provided classified 
cryptographic material to our armed forces. From 1995 to 1996, Walker 
volunteered to implement and monitor military aspects of the Dayton 
Peace Agreement throughout war-torn Bosnia and Herzegovina while 
searching for war criminals. For his contributions to our nation, 
Master Sergeant Walker was often recognized by military leadership.
   Following his retirement from the Air Force, Walker earned his Juris 
Doctorate from Southern Methodist University and was later appointed as 
a Judge for Collin County Court at Law 2. Judge Walker would be awarded 
the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, reserved for those 
who have demonstrated the highest commitment of time and effort for 
community and charitable organizations. Today, Judge Walker selflessly 
devotes his time to organizations including the Collin County Veteran's 
Court, the DWI Drug Court, Collin County Bar Association Mentorship 
Program, Girl Scouts, Special Olympics, the Samaritan Inn, and Feed the 
Homeless where he helps prepare and deliver meals to those in need. 
Judge Walker is the epitome of a leader who has served America through 
both his military and civil servant roles and we are honored to 
recognize him for his countless efforts.
   Today, a grateful Nation thanks Senior Master Sergeant Walker for 
his exceptional service and congratulates him on this recognition. May 
his steadfast example of leadership inspire others to live a life of 
service to a cause greater than themselves. It is my extreme honor to 
award him the 2019 Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third 
District of Texas.

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