Today, U.S. Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) announced Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) will be this year's keynote speaker at the Congressional Veteran Commendation (CVC) Ceremony. The ceremony will honor the wartime sacrifices and peacetime community involvement of fifteen local veterans.

Rep. Van Taylor said, "I am honored to announce my colleague Congressman Brian Mast as this year's keynote speaker for the Congressional Veteran Commendation Ceremony. His remarkable story is one of true patriotism, servant leadership, and sacrifice and I am eager for our attendees to have the opportunity to hear from him."

The recipients will be honored at a special award ceremony on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Collin College, Spring Creek Campus in Plano.To learn more information about the CVC program and the 2021 CVC honorees please visit Congressman Taylor's website. A media advisory will be released closer to the event date.

Background
Congressman Brian Mast is in his third term representing the 18th Congressional District of Florida.

Prior to his election to Congress, Brian followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the U.S. Army for more than 12 years, earning medals including The Bronze Star Medal, The Army Commendation Medal for Valor, The Purple Heart Medal, and The Defense Meritorious Service Medal. 

While deployed in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army, Brian worked as a bomb disposal expert under the elite Joint Special Operations Command. Following the loss of both legs due to an improvised explosive device, while in recovery at Walter Reed Medical Center, his father would give him advice that would shape his life – he could ensure the greatest service he gave to our country and the best example he set for his children was still ahead of him. Congressman Mast took this wisdom to heart and has dedicated himself to a life of service for our nation.