[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 200 (Tuesday, December 5, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION FOR BRIGADIER GENERAL MICHAEL CATES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2023

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brigadier General 
Michael ``Mike'' Cates of Frisco, Texas, and award him a Congressional 
Veteran Commendation. General Cates honorably served in the United 
States Army as the 23rd Chief of the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps.
  In 1980, General Cates followed in his family's footsteps and joined 
the Army after obtaining his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at 
Texas A&M University. He specialized in veterinary services in South 
Korea and Germany, and was the first veterinarian to command the Army's 
Center for Health Promotion and Preventative Medicine. I commend his 
extensive efforts to improve public health and the wellbeing of animals 
in the military. For his exemplary service, General Cates was awarded 
the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, 
and several other awards. In 2005, he was named a Distinguished Alumnus 
of Texas A&M's College of Veterinary Medicine.
  After his retirement in 2008, General Cates continued to make 
profound impacts in his community in many ways. He became a professor 
at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and served 
as their Master of Public Health Graduate Program Director. As the 
Program Director, General Cates helped prepare students for success in 
public health careers. When he retired from academia, he served as a 
board member for the Heritage Association and Pet Partners in Frisco. 
In these roles, General Cates helped preserve Frisco's rich history and 
supported local animal shelters so that they may have a safe place to 
call home. These actions highlight his commitment to uplifting the 
world around him and being a voice for those in need.
  I am honored to represent BG Cates in Texas' 4th Congressional 
District. It is a pleasure to award him the Congressional Veteran 
Commendation for his service to our Nation and to the people of North 
Texas.

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