Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Pete Sessions. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
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October 15, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. PETE SESSIONS
of texas
in the house of representatives
Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to present Thomas Oleinik, of Huntsville, Texas, with a 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation. His life of service reflects the hard work, dedication, and devotion that exemplify the very best of our East Texas values.
February 1961 at the age of nineteen. He trained with the 5th and 13th Infantry at Fort Riley, Kansas, and the 1st Engineering Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Thomas went on to serve honorably overseas in Korea in the aftermath of the Korean War. Although he was trained as a combat engineer and prepared to serve in a still-hostile Korean theater, the Army recognized his abilities and entrusted him with an important administrative role. He was assigned to the 15th Administration Company and placed in charge of managing the Army Post Office for the 24th Infantry Division at Panmunjom for 15 months, serving as a vital link between soldiers and their families. Thomas took great pride in the trust his superiors placed in him.
to the 20th Engineering Brigade at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, where he continued serving in the U.S. Army Reserves through 1967, completing six years of military service. During his service, Thomas qualified as an Expert Rifle Marksman and completed training in Basic Combat Training, the Military Justice Code of Conduct, Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Defense, and the Geneva Conventions.
career in law enforcement in 1964. He served as a Wisconsin State Trooper from 1964 to 1967 before becoming a Texas State Trooper in 1968. He continued serving with the Texas Department of Public Safety until his retirement in 1993 at the rank of Corporal.
Thomas' retirement from law enforcement was brief. In 1996, former County Judge and past Congressional Veteran Commendation recipient Charles Wagamon and County Commissioner Buddy Reynolds launched an effort to establish Walker County's first Environmental Enforcement Officer. Thomas applied for the position, was selected, and quickly made it his own. He enforced county ordinances addressing illegal dumping, burning violations, water and air pollution, and also handled septic inspections, 911 files, building codes, and permitting. His work helped make Walker County a safer, cleaner, and more orderly community while inspiring volunteers to take an active role in improving their surroundings. In recognition of his efforts, Thomas received third place in the Keep Texas Beautiful Ed Davis Litter Law Enforcement Award in 2002. He retired from the position in 2008 and devoted even more of his time to serving his community.
newly established H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum of Texas, where he worked alongside its co-founder, his beloved wife Charlotte, to help build the museum into the institution it is today, serving thousands of veterans throughout the region. He has also served in numerous volunteer and leadership roles with VFW Post 5871, his church, and other community organizations, consistently giving his time to veterans, families, and neighbors in need.
Thomas' devotion to his country extended into civic service as well. Because of his deep sense of duty and love of country, he served for many years as a Precinct Chair for the Republican Party of Walker County, where he worked to strengthen the integrity of local elections and remained committed to serving his commnunity.
Charlotte. Built upon a strong foundation of faith, their marriage included fostering more than 50 young children over the course of their life together. Through his military service, law enforcement career, veteran advocacy, civic involvement, and dedication to his family, Thomas has exemplified what it means to be a great American, exceptional veteran, father, leader, and mentor.
to his community and family that I proudly commend Thomas Oleinik of Huntsville, Texas, to his friends, family, community, and country. It is my honor to recognize him with the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation.