Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE OF COLONEL GLENN STARNES
______
HON. BILL FLORES
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy
of Colonel Glenn Starnes, who passed away on 30 March 2020.
Glenn was born 27 January 1959 as the second son of Charles and La
Verne Starnes. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1981 and was
commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.
Colonel Starnes led a life of service to both his country as a
decorated marine and to the Texas A&M community as a member of the
Office of the Commandant's staff.
Glenn served in the Marines for 30 years and commanded at every
level, from field artillery battery to field artillery regiment. While
serving his country, he was stationed in seven States and two
countries. He fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring
Freedom through two tours of duty in 2003 and 2005. Glenn also served
on joint duty with the U.S. Central Command and later served as an
exchange officer with the United Kingdom's Joint Headquarters.
Colonel Starnes was awarded the Legion of Merit with two Gold Stars,
the Bronze Star with Combat ``V'' Device, the Defense Meritorious
Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, and the
title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire from the Queen of
England.
After 30 years of service Glenn retired from the Marine Corps in
2011.
In 2012, Colonel Starnes joined the Texas A&M University community as
Assistant Commandant for Operations and Training for A&M's
internationally recognized Corps of Cadets.
In his 8 years on this job, Glenn was a tireless worker who loved the
Corps and the opportunity to serve as mentor for many of its members.
He was highly respected by his colleagues, and many Aggies feel
fortunate enough to call him friend. Colonel Starnes' 30 years of
dedicated service embody the core values of Texas Aggies: respect,
excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and selfless service. His
loss will be deeply felt by the Texas A&M community and the Corps of
Cadets.
Madam Speaker, Colonel Starnes served his country proudly for many
years, and his legacy will be forever woven into our American history.
He was not only a dedicated public servant, he was a loving son, a
husband, a father, an effective mentor, and a loyal friend to hundreds.
My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to
the Starnes family.
I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's
Capitol to honor the life, legacy, and service of Colonel Glenn
Starnes.
As I close today I urge all Americans to continue praying for our
country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who keep us
safe, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.
____________________