WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) announced that four veterans will be recognized and honored with the TX-17 Congressional Veteran Commendation.  Recipients of the award include Arnold Mathias and Bill Mahon from Waco, Roy Kelley from College Station and Orville Cleveland from Burleson. 

The TX-17 Congressional Veteran Commendation recognizes distinguished veterans of 17th Congressional District who have served our nation honorably during their military career, and subsequently demonstrated dedication to their community. Constituents of the district submitted nominations for the awards to Congressman Flores’ office, where recipients were chosen to be honored for the first ever district award of its kind

“Our military men and women give so much for our freedom and liberties. As a committed member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and as the Representative of a Congressional district with more than 60,000 veterans, I am delighted to recognize veterans and pay tribute to their service through the TX-17 Congressional Veteran Commendation for 2012,” said Congressman Flores. “It is a great honor to be able to present these awards to such deserving veterans, who not only admirably served their country, but also have admirably served their respective communities.”

Bill Mahon
William “Bill” Mahon served in the U.S. Army from November 1968 through January 1989. He served in the Vietnam War in armored cavalry units. Mahon has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, an Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, an Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal with two service stars and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After his military service, Mahon continued to show his patriotism and dedication to Central Texas veterans by serving in various leadership positions for the McLennan County Veterans Association (MCVA) and the American Legion Post 121. Mahon initiated the MCVA “Be an Eagle” award program which recognizes local high schools for their community service.  He also is Co-Chairman of the MVCA Veterans Day parade.

Arnold Mathias
Arnold Mathias enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, citing the attack on Pearl Harbor; and the nation’s patriotism made him eager to serve and give back to his country. While serving in World War II, he was part of 13^th Armored Division, 24^th Tank Battalion, which was pulled into General Patton’s 3rd Army. Mathias has been awarded the American Campaign Medal, an EAME Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal and a Purple Heart and a World War II Victory Medal.

Upon returning home, Mathias worked for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. After retiring from the Chamber of Commerce, he and would go on work as a Political Relations manager for the 11th Congressional District in Waco. Mathias is heavily involved in community service and has held various offices in the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans.

Roy Kelly
Roy Kelly enlisted in the U.S. Navy six days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He continued to serve in the Navy for 17 years. While serving his country, Kelly was a submariner assigned to duty in Australia. Kelly has been awarded the American Campaign Medal, an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and a Good Conduct Medal and a World War II Victory Medal.

Upon returning home, Kelly entered the dairy business which brought him to College Station. He would then go on to serve the people of Brazos County as bailiff in the District and County Courts. Additionally, Kelly would serve on the Board of Directors for the Brazos Transit District. He was instrumental in the securing and developing the parking garage across from the Brazos County Courthouse which bears his name – the Roy Kelly Multi-Modal Terminal and Parking Garage.

Orville Cleveland
Orville “Smokey” Cleveland enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1959. During Cleveland’s six years of military service, he received the Navy Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Upon being discharged, Cleveland served as a Hospital Corpsman, a military care-giver in the U.S. Navy.  Cleveland is one of the charter members of the original Johnson County Veterans Council, now known as the TX#17 National Association of Uniformed Services. He was influential in the formation of the Veterans Assistance of Texas in Johnson County, which assists veterans obtain the benefits they earned. On average, Cleveland assists 300 veterans per year.

Award Presentations
Congressman Flores will be presenting the TX-17 Congressional Veteran Commendation to these distinguished veterans throughout the Veterans Day weekend.

Bill Mahon will be presented his award on Monday, November 12, immediately prior to the Veterans Day parade, at 9:45am at the intersection of 13^th St. and Austin Ave. in downtown Waco.

Arnold Mathias will be presented his award on Monday, November 12, at 10:00am at Congressman Flores’ Waco office, 400 Austin Avenue, Suite 302, Waco, TX 76701.

Roy Kelly will be presented his award on Sunday, November 11, at 4:00pm during the Veterans Day events at the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial, 3101 Harvey Road, College Station, TX 77840.

The presentation date and time for Smokey Cleveland will be set in the near future.

Congressman Bill Flores represents the 17th District of Texas and is an entrepreneur, former energy executive, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and member of the House Budget, Natural Resources and Veterans’ Affairs Committees.

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