The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MAJOR EARL ``RUSTY'' LESLIE RUSSELL,
USA (RET.)
______
HON. RONNY JACKSON
of texas
in the house of representatives
Friday, July 29, 2022
Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Major Earl ``Rusty'' Leslie Russell, USA, Ret. Rusty exemplified the American fighting spirit. He lived his life honorably through serving his country, loving his family and friends, and devoting himself to his faith. Rusty embodied the bravery, honor, and patriotism of what it means to be an American.
Born January 25, 1944, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Rusty was n man of many talents, interests, and pursuits. Most importantly, he was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and a man of God.
At his core, Rusty was a deeply patriotic person. He began his military career in middle school in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and continued to serve in the ROTC throughout his high school and college years. In September 1966, upon graduation from Fort Hays State University, Rusty received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Soon afterwards, Rusty attended the Army Aviation Center and School at Foti Rucker, Alabama, where he earned his pilot wings. He served two tours in Vietnam (1967-68 and 1971-72) where he flew reconnaissance missions and aligned artillery.
During these intense combat tours, Rusty earned the following military honors: Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 7 Bronze Service Stars, Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Palm. In 1975, having attained the rank of Major, Rusty was honorably discharged from the United States Army.
Following his military career, Rusty and his wife, Jan, opened a real estate firm, Hallmark Homes, in Manhattan, Kansas. In 1982, the opportunity arose to join Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor. Without a backup plan, Rusty and Jan decided to move their family to Gainesville, Texas, to start their new adventure. Throughout his quarter-century career with Edward Jones, Rusty was valued as a trusted advisor, educator, confidante, and mentor.
Rusty was civic minded and generous with both his time and financial blessings. He served his community by participating on several boards including the Gainesville Municipal Airport Board, the North Texas Medical Center Board, the First United Methodist Church Board, the State Bar of Texas Ethics Committee Board, and the Longhorn Council. Rusty was also an active member of the Gainesville Masonic Lodge No. 210 where he served as Past Master.
A lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, Rusty earned the rank of Eagle Scout and later in life, the Order of the Arrow's Vigil Honor. He served as leader of Gainesville's Troop 668 for many years, mentoring new generations of Scouts. He lived his life according to Scout Law, to be: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
Rusty will be truly missed by everyone he met and by the community he so deeply affected. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jan, and their son, Lee. Rusty was a friend to all, and I join his family, friends, and the people of Gainesville, Texas in celebrating Major Russell's life and legacy.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 127(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 127(2)
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up