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“There is no greater calling than service to country”
by TONY GONZALES
Veterans Day is a day to remember our veterans, past and present, for their service to this country. I was 20 years old when planes struck the Twin Towers in September of 2001. Only weeks after 9/11, I landed in Afghanistan. At that time, I couldn’t even point out Afghanistan on the map, and now I had the opportunity to see the world for the first time. I went on to serve several tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Asia. After two decades, I retired as Master Chief Petty Officer. The same young man who enlisted without a high school degree, or even knowing how to swim, retired at the highest enlisted rank within the Navy. Growing up, my grandfather, Jesus Antonio Pena, was my hero. He only had an 8th grade education but went on to serve in World War II. He shared stories with me about how the Army taught him bravery and camaraderie. I was only a credit shy of graduating high school when he passed away. I was completely devastated, which persuaded me to make the decision to drop out and enlist in the Navy at 18. My grandfather emblemized my first understanding as to what our military sacrifices, the importance of our veterans, and the characteristics our servicemembers,
past and present, uphold. I continue to be influenced every day by my fellow veterans around me, including my wife, Angel. Angel served eight years in the Air Force and now is a commissioned officer in the Naval Reserves. She represents one of the strongest groups within our veteran community – our female veterans. Women within our military face their own set of unique challenges, both in the field and at home, and yet serve at the same caliber as our men in uniform. Every year on November 11, we honor veterans’ service and sacrifice for this great nation. There is something incredibly unique about those who sacrifice so much to
Senior Chief Phil Heilman presents Cryptologic serve our country – who
Technician (CTR1) Tony Gonzales with the Aircrewman choose to run towards of the Year Award in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, in 2004. conflict in the name of freedom. On Veterans Day, I take this day to This day serves as a reminder for spend time with my the unwavering support system I fellow veterans and remember those who have with those who served are no longer with us. with me. This day also serves as a reminder for the unwavering support system I have with those who served with me. The bond that you get with the people you serve alongside can never be replaced. I work to foster this same sense of camaraderie every day in Congress to devise real solutions for the American people. I believe having veterans both in office and as staff is incredibly important. When it
comes to matters that affect our military, veterans $22 million for a new Child Development Center at and national security, there are some things you can’t Lackland Air Force Base and $150 million for a new learn in a book – you have to live it. Veterans Health Care Center in El Paso.
That’s why I believe it is critical for me to I want to thank every brave man and woman that provide insight from my experiences to help further has served our country selflessly so that we can live meaningful legislation. free. I encourage everyone I use my seat on the to take a moment to thank House Appropriations The bond that you get with the a veteran they may know Subcommittee for Military Construction people you serve alongside can today and every day. RF and Veterans Affairs never be replaced. Tony Gonzales represents to advocate for federal the 23rd district of Texas funding to be responsibly in the U.S. House of allocated towards the VA and ensure our veterans Representatives where he serves on the Committee receive the care they earned. Within my district on Veterans’ Affairs. Congressman Gonzales served specifically, I secured $1 million in funding for the in the U.S. Navy from 1999 to 2019 where he was a Del Rio Tiny Homes for Veterans Project, to construct cryptologist and rose to the rank of Master Chief Petty and maintain temporary homes for veterans currently Officer. He also served several tours in Afghanistan, suffering from homelessness. I also was able to secure Iraq, and Asia.
