[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 200 (Tuesday, December 5, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION FOR GUNNERY SERGEANT MICHAEL DeHAVEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2023

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gunnery Sergeant 
Michael DeHaven of Denison, Texas, and award him a Congressional 
Veteran Commendation. GySgt DeHaven honorably served in the United 
States Marine Corps during the Gulf War and the Global War on 
Terrorism.
  As a young man, GySgt DeHaven heeded the call to serve his nation in 
the Marine Corps. In 1986, he joined the Marines and later became a 
member of the 5th Force Reconnaissance Company. GySgt DeHaven 
specialized in high-altitude parachuting, underwater operations, and 
reconnaissance in support of Marine Expeditionary Forces. Some of his 
responsibilities included protecting government officials, safeguarding 
intelligence officers, training allied forces, and conducting raids on 
high value targets. GySgt DeHaven's efforts helped to protect the 
wellbeing of countless Americans and our allies. For his selfless 
service and contributions to our national security, GySgt DeHaven was 
awarded the National Intelligence Medal for Valor.
  After he was honorably discharged in 1998, GySgt DeHaven pursued a 
successful career in technology. However, the September 11 terrorist 
attacks reinforced his desire to defend his nation from all threats, 
foreign and domestic. He returned to military service, and served as a 
ground reconnaissance advisor with the 6th Marine Regiment and as an 
anti-terrorism advisor to our intelligence community until 2021. When 
he returned to Texas, GySgt DeHaven looked for ways to protect our 
nation's children in the wake of the terrible events in Uvalde. He 
opened a private consulting company to help enhance school safety and 
threat prevention efforts. Through his valuable expertise, the Denison 
Independent School District selected him to serve as their Director of 
Safety and Security. Without question, GySgt DeHaven's extensive 
experience in combatting hostile threats will help to protect our 
schools and communities.
  I am honored to represent GySgt DeHaven 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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