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RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF LUKE SIEGEL
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Arrington) for 5 minutes.
Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of a remarkable young man named Luke Siegel, who inspired so many with his strength of spirit and will to live in the face of tremendous adversity.
On July 28 of 2015, Luke suffered severe brain damage as a result of a tragic golf cart accident that changed his life forever and left him immobile, lifeless, and even without the ability to speak. Doctors said, Madam Speaker, that he would stay in that condition as long as he lived.
But, through the love and support of his family, the prayers of our wonderful community, and the relentless and tenacious fight that Luke brought every day, he defied all odds and the diagnoses of numerous doctors, recovering to a life no one believed was possible.
Sadly, on August 19, our hero and west Texas warrior, Luke Siegel, went home to be with his Heavenly Father. Luke is survived by one amazing family: father, Tim; mother, Jenny; and sisters Alex, Kate, and Ellie.
Madam Speaker, Luke never gave up. He was a symbol of hope for people throughout the country whose families have struggled with the challenges of traumatic brain injury. Luke is an inspiration to us all to live every day to the fullest and never give up no matter what the circumstances.
I am confident that Luke Siegel heard those beautiful and sweet words of our creator and Lord of heaven and Earth.
Madam Speaker, Luke fought the good fight, he finished the race, and he kept the faith. May Luke enter into his eternal rest. God bless Luke Siegel, coach, your family, and God bless west Texas.
Recognizing Nancy Liles
Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of an outstanding lady, Nancy Liles, who recently retired after an illustrious 36-year career as executive director of the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Ms. Liles' passion for hospitality embodies the spirit of west Texas and has made Abilene a thriving tourist destination where visitors feel right at home.
West Texas is known for its friendliness and hospitality, and Ms. Liles has exemplified these attributes in her service to our community and the Key City.
Abilene, Texas, is a warmer and more welcoming place because of the leadership and service of Nancy Liles. We wish Nancy well as she spends more time with her family and continues to be a champion for the Big Country in Abilene, America. God bless, and go west Texas.
Recognizing Mindy Patterson
Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding west Texan, Ms. Mindy Patterson.
Mindy has served the city of Abilene for three decades, from her start as an entry-level accountant to her current position of deputy city manager.
This year marks her 30th year of service for the city of Abilene, and her colleagues know her as a servant leader and a tireless worker who will do anything for her beloved community.
The city manager, Robert Hanna, describes Ms. Patterson as somebody who is, ``simply indispensable to my leadership team.''
I am grateful to Ms. Patterson for her service to Abilene and look forward to even more successes from her in the future and for our great city and community.
God bless Ms. Patterson, who is keeping the wheels turning out in west Texas. And go west Texas.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 188
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