Chet Edwards For Congress - Johnson County

Working Hard for Johnson County

Kat — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:08:26 -0700

Working Hard for Johnson County

Providing Convenient Constituent Service for Johnson County

On the day Chet was sworn in to represent the new 17th District, he opened the first congressional office ever in Johnson County, which is run by a full-time staff.

In addition, Chet has held numerous town hall meetings in Johnson County since 2005, listening to residents’ concerns.

Economic Development through Better and Safer Roads

Since 2005, Chet has secured $3.9 million for transportation infrastructure projects in Johnson County.

Chet secured $588,000 to design the Alsbury Blvd. extension in Burleson, a crucial element to the city's long-term transportation plans.

Chet secured $2.2 million to expand East Renfro Street from two to four lanes between Interstate 35W to County Road 602, in order to alleviate traffic congestion.

Chet secured $1.2 million to connect Colonial Drive between Wal-Mart and Cleburne High School.

Protecting Families by Getting Drug Dealers off the Streets

Since 2005, Chet has secured $288,000 for the Stop the Offender Program (STOP). This is an undercover joint law enforcement agency whose objective is to stop the spread of drugs in Johnson County at the individual dealer level. The program uses information gained from low-level drug dealers’ arrests to follow the chain of command and stop the flow of narcotics into the area.

Working to Reopen Ham Creek Park for Johnson County Families

Chet has secured $2.1 million to reopen Ham Creek Park on the Brazos River, located near Rio Vista. This is a beautiful park that has been closed to the public for over twenty years. After key community leaders approached Chet about their desire to reopen the park, Chet sought funding to get the project started. Once complete, the park will consist of a campground with 35 campsites, a two-lane boat ramp, restrooms, group shelters, trails and a playground.

Protecting Water Supply for Johnson County Families

Chet secured $500,000 for a new elevated water storage tank in Grandview. The city of Grandview is experiencing a high growth rate and is constructing several new housing divisions. The water tank is expected to alleviate much of the pressure from the rapid population growth.

A New Building for the East Cleburne Community Center

Chet secured $500,000 to go toward a new facility for the East Cleburne Community Center (ECCC), a non-profit organization that provides many civic services for the community. These services include youth programs, tutoring, mentoring, Camp Fire Girls, the "A’s and B’s” Program with the Cleburne Independent School District, job training and computer education courses. The ECCC has outgrown its capacity and the funding secured by Chet will help build a new, larger facility.

Hike and Bike Trail for Burleson Families

Chet secured $250,000 for the City of Burleson’s hike and bike trail, which will turn the existing dirt trail that runs from Oak Valley to Chissenhall Park into a safe, paved trail for Burleson residents. The trail is designed to increase quality of life and interconnectedness of the City of Burleson.

Ribbon cut on phase II of Hamm Creek

Kat — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 22:31:26 -0700

Ribbon cut on phase II of Hamm Creek

By Matt Smith | Cleburne Times Review | Jun 02 2008

Edwards: "It shows what happens when good people work together in good faith and what a difference that can make for our own people."

Officials and area residents braved Wednesday's mid-day heat to celebrate the completion of another phase of Hamm Creek Park's renovation.

"A lot of people have a lot of memories of this place," County Commissioner R.C. McFall said. "A lot of them I can't talk about right now. But this project was the dream of George Wood. He worked tirelessly on it.

"Every county city council and chamber signed on to support this, and it's the only such project I know of where that ever happened."

Wood is the Brazos River Park Project chairman.

Hamm Creek Park, located about eight miles west of Rio Vista on the Brazos River, closed about 21 years ago. Plans to re-open and renovate the public park began several years ago. U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, the Johnson County Commissioners Court, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and area governmental entities supported and participated in the project. Phase I of the project, which includes roads, an entrance and a boat ramp, ended last year. Workers installed parking lots and picnic areas in Phase II. Phase III, already under way, will add campsites and other amenities to the park and is expected to be complete by next spring.

Although most know the Corps of Engineers primarily for their heavy construction projects, they are also the No. 1 provider of recreational projects in America, said Charlie Burger, deputy chief of operations for the Fort Worth district. Burger called the project cutting edge as it involved federal, state and local input.

"What this ended up being is not a Corps of Engineers park, not a county park, but a people's park," Burger said. "And we're proud of that."

County Judge Roger Harmon agreed.

"I'm always talking about teamwork, and I don't think there's a better example than this project here," Harmon said. "We live in a very stressful world and people need a place to relax. This park exemplifies a place to get away from the world."

Edwards joked that Harmon stole his speech then pointed out what he called two important aspects of the Hamm Creek project.

"It shows what happens when good people work together in good faith and what a difference that can make for our own people," Edwards said. "This is also a safe, family friendly place where you can get your kids out in nature."

Edwards worked to secure $4 million in federal funding toward the park's construction. Johnson County commissioners agreed to assume upkeep costs once the project is completed.
Ronnie Bruggman, Corps of Engineers Fort Worth district recreational business line manager, said the area rates as one of Texas' best water skiing sites. Other attendees said the park should provide a strong draw for local and out-of-county people.
"Within 75 miles of where we're standing right now, there's 7.5 million people," McFall said. "That's what we have to draw from."

Congressman delivers meal

econnor — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:11:31 -0700

Apr 9, 2008
Congressman delivers meal

Burleson-Crowley Connection
By Danielle Novy | Staff writer

When 93-year-old J.W. Wimberly opened the doors of his Burleson home to the delivery man for Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties on March 28, he found himself face to face with U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco.

Edwards delivered Wimberly’s tray of food for Meals Awareness Month, a nationwide celebration of the impact Meals-on-Wheels has had on society.

Members of Congress delivered food throughout March, said Amy Jackson, director of development for Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties.

“A lot [of congress members] have been doing it these past couple weeks because they are home in their districts for Easter,” she said, adding she was glad to have Edwards on board.

After handing Wimberly his meal, Edwards slipped into a warm conversation with him, discussing topics such as the impact of computers and Meals-on-Wheels.

“People aren’t just delivering food; they are delivering friendship and love,” Edwards said. “In many cases, Meals-on-Wheels allows people to stay in their own homes where they have so many fond memories rather than go to nursing homes.”

Wimberly agreed, saying with a laugh, “The food keeps your belt buckle from your backbone.”
Conversation soon turned to the collage of photographs covering the walls of Wimberly’s home, reflecting the decades he has lived through.

“I was married for 70 years and two days,” Wimberly said, gingerly holding a picture of his late wife.

He also discussed a common thread between Edwards and himself: Both men have histories in politics. Wimberly was mayor of Hubbard years ago.

“This was great,” Jackson said of how the Meals-on-Wheels event unfolded.

Vinsen Faris, executive director of Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties, said elected officials’ involvement in the program proved fun and effective in increasing awareness.

“The people that saw all the elected officials got a kick out of it,” he said. “And we’ve also raised community awareness.”

Edwards Secures $3.2 million for Johnson County projects

econnor — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:11:31 -0700

December 21, 2007
Bill would bring $3.2 million home

Cleburne Times Review
By Matt Smith|Staff Writer

The final 2008 federal appropriations bill includes funding for four Johnson County projects: $1.9 million for the next phase of improvements at Ham Creek Park, $492,200 for a new water tower in Grandview, $188,000 for the county's drug task force and $588,000 to widen Alsbury Boulevard in Burleson. President Bush is expected to sign the bill, which the House passed Monday and the Senate passed Tuesday, soon, said Josh Taylor, communications director for U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco.

"I'm grateful that Congress has approved my request for additional funding to continue the important work of reopening Ham Creek Park to the public for the first time in 23 years," Edwards said.

Congress appropriated $900,000 toward the park's renovation in 2006 and $1.2 million in 2007. The Johnson County Commissioners Court agreed to fund park maintenance and operation costs once U.S. Army Corps of Engineers workers complete renovations. The $1.9 million will fund the project's final phase, which includes building campsites, roads and parking areas.

"I'm just tickled to death Edwards worked to secure the funding, and Congress passed it," said R.C. McFall, Johnson County Precinct 1 commissioner. "This is going to be a real good thing for everybody and a great place for parents to take their kids. I've never worked on any project this positive where all the city councils and chambers of commerce signed on and supported it so strongly."

McFall said he expects final renovations to take about 18 months to complete.

Growing Grandview

A water tower is needed to spur Grandview's development east of Interstate 35, Grandview Mayor Jack Orr said.

"Absolutely, this is wonderful news," Orr said. "We need to get facilities on the other side of the interstate so we can get development going over there and, hopefully, increase our tax base."

The water tower and a newly constructed sewer plant and planned sewer outfall line should help encourage residential and business development, Orr said.

"I want to salute Mayor Jack Orr and former Mayor Brandon Wright, who emphasized the importance of this project to me," Edwards said. "I was pleased that we were successful in securing the funding because an adequate water supply is essential to the quality of life of Grandview."

Continued fight against drugs

Stop the Offender Program Special Crimes Unit Cmdr. Adam King thanked Edwards, McFall, District Attorney Dale Hanna and other officials for securing funding for the task force.

"I'm just very excited," King said. "They saw a need and worked diligently to secure the funding. And that money is going to go a long way toward protecting and serving the citizens of Johnson County."

McFall agreed. "We'd just be in a terrible mess if we didn't have that program and funding for it," McFall said.

County officials created STOP SCU in 2005 after similar state-wide programs were disbanded due to lack of funding. The undercover joint law enforcement agency battles illegal drugs and other crimes throughout Johnson County.

"These funds will help our law enforcement officers curb the spread of illegal drugs in Johnson county and help keep our children safe," Edwards said.

Better driving in Burleson

The bill also includes $588,000 to widen Burleson's Alsbury Boulevard. The project also includes installation of underground drainage and sidewalks from Cathy Drive to 1,700 feet south of Shaftstall Road.

"Improving roads for Burleson citizens is important for continued economic growth and easing congestion," Edwards said.

The money will partially fund the projects, Burleson Mayor Ken Shetter said.

"We're really excited about the funding," Shetter said. "It's a key to our development. The big thing for us is that this helps move our transit-oriented-development district along, which is the area around our future commuter rail site. It's all about sustainable development. People think you run the trains and development occurs, but it's better to have development and people already in place."

Funds allocated through the appropriations bill might make more money available for the project, Shetter said.

Chet on the Radio: For Johnson County

Kat — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 09:41:22 -0700

Chet Edwards has been there for Johnson County when it matters most.

Click the "play" button

Hard Work. Results. That’s what Chet Edwards stands for.

Chet Edwards has been there for Johnson County when it matters most. He has worked hard to bring our fair share of our tax dollars back home, to make life a little better for us, and for our families.

It’s Chet Edwards who opened the first ever full time congressional office in Johnson County, to better serve us. Chet Edwards secured the funding to re-open Ham Creek Park here in Johnson County. When Johnson County citizens said that increased traffic congestion was hurting our quality of life, Chet Edwards used his seniority to secure millions for vital road improvements in Cleburne and Burleson.

And as a father, Chet Edwards worked successfully to keep a local drug task force running, to crack down on drug dealers, and protect our children. Chet Edwards. Independent. Effective. For us. Because he’s one of us.

And that’s why Chet Edwards for Congress is proud to have paid for this message.

6/17/06: Cleburne Juneteenth Parade

Kat — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 09:02:19 -0700

Cleburne Juneteenth Parade
June 17, 2006

Click photos to enlarge

Chet visits with Cleburne residents – including a young supporter - after the Juneteenth parade on Saturday, June 17.

Rep. Edwards, McFall continue praise of ...

Kat — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 01:13:26 -0700

June 11, 2006
Rep. Edwards, McFall continue praise of improvement project

Cleburne Times Review
By Matt Smith & Thomas Phillips |Staff Writer & News Editor

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, and county officials spoke again in support of the Ham Creek Park project recently.

Edwards responded Saturday to comments Johnson County Republican Party Chairman Dan Hunt made in Friday’s Times-Review regarding Edwards’ work to improve the park. Edwards also went after his opponent, Van Taylor. His comments came while addressing about 50 invited guests during the opening of his North Texas campaign office Saturday, at 904 N. Main St. in Cleburne,

“It takes a lot of gall to be able to join the Spouting Rock Beach club in Newport, R.I., and then to criticize a park here,” Edwards said of Taylor.

Taylor is a member of the Spouting Rock Beach Association, a private club with “mega-millionaires” for members, as Edwards called them. Ham Creek is a public park located about 7 miles west of Rio Vista on the Brazos River. The park closed about 20 years ago, but the county, with the help of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Edwards, plans to renovate and re-open it. Edwards secured $900,000 in federal money for the project last year and hopes, with Senate approval, to secure an additional $1.8 million.

Hunt criticized Edwards’ work on the project in the Times-Review story, calling improvements to the park a pork-barrel project and “a boondoggle led by Chet Edwards.” Taylor, a West resident, in the same article did not speak specifically against Ham Creek but instead criticized wasteful government spending. He did not say Ham Creek Park is such a case.

“I see Dan’s point though,” Taylor said. “Because people are mad over wasteful spending in government and want to see it stopped. And that would be a huge priority for me. That doesn’t mean I would never vote for any spending project, but I would look long and hard to weigh the costs and benefits first.”

Edwards’ campaign manager Chris Turner said Taylor “basically endorsed Dan Hunt’s criticism.”

Taylor campaign manager Mike Spellings disputed that claim.

“Van didn’t endorse anything,” Spellings said.

Taylor called Edwards’ comments “another petty personal attack that has nothing to do with solving the problems Central Texans face everyday,” and went on to voice support for the project.

“I have no problem with the Ham Creek project,” Taylor said in a written statement. “In fact, I fully support it and anything else we can do to improve the quality of life for Central Texans.

“These deceptive Washington-style attacks from career politicians are what make people so cynical about politicians today.”

Hunt countered Edwards remarks by saying he does not oppose improvements to the park. Hunt said he had concerns regarding whether project construction contracts would be available to Johnson County residents and businesses. He also opposed the way Edwards sold the project.

“Edwards has taken credit for something that many others have worked a long time for,” Hunt said. “Chet is coming up here and saying, ‘Look what I did, look what I did,’ and not giving us the full story.”

Edwards said the major reason he worked to secure funding for the project is because elected officials in the mostly-Republican Johnson County have asked for his help.

“Till the day I die, I will be glad to have worked with you on that park,” Edwards said.

County Commissioner R.C. McFall said the park improvements continue because the commissioners court, with four Republicans and one Democrat — himself — support it. McFall added that many other elected officials, including Cleburne Mayor Ted Reynolds and Burleson Mayor Ken Shetter also support the project.

“People would talk about the area from time to time and wonder why nothing had been done out there,” McFall said. “Then about two and a half years ago, George Wood [Brazos River Park Project chairman] got the ball rolling. The important point to remember is that this was designed by people around this area, not some bureaucrats sitting around D.C. This was always a hands-on project involving local people to make Ham Creek a real good, functional, clean family area.”

McFall said U.S. Rep. Joe Barton and former state Rep. Arlene Wohlgemuth, both Republicans who represented the district at the time, supported the project early on.

“Wood started getting resolutions drawn up and talking to city councils and chambers in the county and getting those approved,” McFall said. “Then, with redistricting, Barton moved out and Chet came in and continued to carry the ball. All the years I’ve been around, I’ve never worked on another project that was so supported from inception and from so many levels and entities from local to state to national.”

McFall said three committees, comprised of local officials and residents and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers representatives, met regularly at the Guinn Justice Center over the last two years to gather input and work out the details of the project.

County Judge Roger Harmon and County Commissioner Troy Thompson — both Republicans — agreed that any opposition to the project was never political.

“No party-line opposition, just [from] some of the folks who live in the Fisherman’s Paradise and the area,” Thompson said. “Most of the opposition in the beginning was concerned with what the park would look like and the magnitude of the project. But after we got input from the people, I think most came on board with it.”

Thompson said he’s excited about the project.

“I favor it,” Thompson said. “I grew up down there fishing, swimming, skiing and think it will be a nice outlet for that area of the county. The problem, when the park was closed, is that you had no supervision and a lot of vandalism and other problems. Now it should be a nice family area.”

Harmon said he fully supports the project despite initial misgivings, which had nothing to do with party politics.

“I don’t know that it will pay for itself,” Harmon said. “But you don’t weigh everything solely in dollars. You also look at the benefit the taxpayers will derive, and I think Ham Creek will be a great place for families, kids and recreation.”

Harmon, McFall and Thompson said the court will consider how much to allot to park maintenance during budget talks for next year. McFall said the project is scheduled to be completed in three stages with the first stage estimated to end around September or October.

McFall said the county is prepared to handle maintenance and operation.

“A lot of the equipment, mowers and so on, the county already owns, so that won’t cost us,” McFall said. “And I’m hoping we’ll work with Sheriff [Bob] Alford to use inmate labor for a lot of the work out there. Since tax dollars will maintain it, I certainly don’t want to spend any more than we have to.”

McFall said he expects the park to benefit the county economically given the area populations of Tarrant and Dallas counties. McFall said the planned improvements, such as a new boat ramp and camping facilities, should attract local and out-of-county people.
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“It’s already a big area for water skiers and I expect that to grow and attract more people,” McFall said. “They like it because the hills on either side block the wind so it’s almost always smooth water, and they like to follow the winding river.”
Roy Bruggman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Ham Creek project manager, said the project’s construction offers plenty of economic opportunity for Johnson County residents and businesses.

“The Corps does almost everything through contract now,” Bruggman said. “We’ll have one or two government employees out there overlooking the project but no, we don’t do much of the work anymore.”

Edwards Communication Director Josh Taylor said the federal funds Edwards secured go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which awards contracts, that anyone can apply for through the competitive-bid process.

Bruggman said the Corps has a contract with CSS, a Gatesville construction company, which runs through 2007. After the contract expires, it will be re-advertised for any interested contractors to bid on.

The contract calls for the installation of signs, painting, road work, water and electrical line installation and other items.

CSS has already hired local workers who live in Rio Vista, Cleburne and other parts of Johnson County for the Ham Creek project and plans to hire more as the project continues, according to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers documents. In addition, much of the supplies and services required for the project will be procured locally through a competitive-bid process.

Bruggman credited teamwork between the Corps, Johnson County officials and residents, and state and national officials for the project’s success so far.
He said all involved worked to respect the wishes of the residents of the Fisherman’s Paradise neighborhood, which overlooks the park, by drawing plans tucking picnic areas under trees and employing indirect lighting.

“We set out to work with the whole community,” Bruggman said. “I think the fact that we had balanced groups of equal representation working on this from the beginning was a big factor.”

Proposed trail being expanded

Kat — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 22:14:52 -0700

March 27, 2006
Proposed trail being expanded

Fort Worth Star Telegram
By MARTHA DELLER | Star-Telegram Staff Writer

BURLESON - Motorists will soon have a faster east-west route across Burleson via Hidden Creek Parkway.

And city leaders say they hope a six-mile trail system for hikers and bikers will not be far behind.

Once separate projects, the road construction and trail creation have become intertwined. As the road is being built, it has created an opportunity for expanding a planned trail, said longtime Councilman Jim Bailey.

The $16 million parkway is being paid for with sales taxes approved by voters in 2000. The project extends and expands two shorter two-lane sections of the existing road into a four- and five-lane parkway that will run from Texas 174 past Interstate 35W to East Renfro Street.

The parkway required tons of dirt to build bridges over Village Creek and the Union Pacific Railroad, city engineer David Wynn said. That prompted the Fort Worth contractor, Orval Hall Excavating, to buy a 10-acre site to excavate dirt.

The company then donated that land to the city, Wynn said. The 7-acre, 12-foot-deep hole became the beginnings of an artificial lake, named by the council in honor of Bailey.

City officials say they want to use that lake as the focal point for the Village Creek trail, a proposed and still-unfunded 3.8-mile hike-and-bike path west of I-35W.

The trail would connect to the future Oak Valley Trail, a 2.5-mile path east of I-35W that has already received $2.2 million in state grant funding. Construction on that trail is scheduled to begin next year and be completed in 2008, Parks Director Peter Krause said. The result will be a 6.3-mile trail system.

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, who helped the city get a $250,000 federal grant to design the Village Creek trail, toured the site Thursday with Krause.
Krause noted that the weekend rains had filled Jim Bailey Lake, which has a depth of 20 feet in some spots. The city had been filling the lake with water routed from its storm-drain system, Wynn said.

The federal grant will be used to prepare designs that Krause will submit with the city's application for a $2.8 million state grant to build the Village Creek trail. That application is due April 28, he said.

If the city doesn't get the state grant, officials will resubmit it or apply for others, he said.

"We will design it regardless," Krause said. "We believe it is a good and viable project."

Bailey believes that the lake will address drainage problems he has fought for 18 years. He said he is also excited about the recreation and transportation options the trails will give the city's more than 30,000 residents.

"What we're going to do reminds me of Fort Worth's Trinity Park trails," he said. "People can drive their cars to Chisenhall Park and go either direction in a creek environment with lots of foliage."

Bailey envisions benches where people can sit, with places for classes. The concrete trails will allow people to walk or bike between homes, schools and shopping areas without getting onto highways, he said. Krause agrees.

"Once these trails are built, we can provide access to very nice parks and recreation," Krause said. "But they also serve as another mode of transportation to shopping and schools without using cars and public roadways. This is a very nice amenity for our city."

Edwards, who has two young sons, said many cities are adding hiking and biking trails to attract businesses and residents concerned about their health and quality of life.

"That trail was a high priority for the city of Burleson, and I was glad to help," he said.

"It improves the quality of life, helps economic development, encourages people to lead healthy lifestyles and saves money for our healthcare system."

Keene chamber hears of gas, SIFE ...

Kat — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 20:57:28 -0700

March 24, 2006
Keene chamber hears of gas, SIFE, Edwards' business votes

Cleburne Times Review
By Matt Smith | Staff writer

KEENE - Thursday's Keene Chamber luncheon attracted the monthly event's largest crowd in recent memory, said chamber president Janet Goodman.

The program included three speaking segments and ran longer than usual. Audience members didn't appear to mind, given the chance to hear from Southwestern Adventist University's Students In Free Enterprise team, First State Bank Texas Keene Branch President Peter Bennis and U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco.

SIFE is a nonprofit organization active throughout the world. It establishes student teams on university campuses to develop community-outreach programs using business skills and education.

Five members from SWAU's SIFE team presented an overview of projects they undertook during the year and will present in competition against other schools April 12.

Some of the team's projects included educating seventh-grade students on the concepts of outsourcing, teaching advertising principles to Chisholm Trail Academy seniors, initiating an annual career day at SWAU, giving a seminar on job-interviewing techniques, working with Superior Concrete Company to develop methods to improve employee morale, a Hurricane Katrina relief auction and other projects.

Bennis spoke on area oil and gas exploration. He discussed the history of exploration in the Barnett Shale, tax issues concerning royalties and the reality of declining well production rates.

“Just because you have a good well right now, know that those results are going to go down,” Bennis said. “But also, companies are constantly working on new technical means to get more gas out of the ground.”

Bennis explained how to calculate royalties on well ownership interests based on production numbers.

Edwards followed Bennis to accept the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Spirit of Enterprise award from John Gonzales, U.S. Chamber of Commerce regional manager.

“The chamber is dedicated to supporting congressional leaders who support pro-business legislation,” Gonzales said, “and who understand that small business is the backbone of America.” Following the luncheon, Gonzales said the chamber scores what they consider to be important business legislation and those representatives and senators scoring above a 70-percent favorable rating are recognized each year.

Edwards praised the afternoon's other speakers and said SIFE should also be known as SISS, or Students In Service to Society, for its work helping children and local businesses at risk of failing.

Edwards went on to discuss his hope that politicians of both parties will work together toward a balanced budget and reduced trade deficit.

“It's time for Democrats and Republicans to get together for the good of the country,” Edwards said.

Edwards also spoke on the health care challenges facing small business owners and the need for them to be able to bargain collectively with big insurance companies for more favorable health insurance rates.

Edwards ended with the story of a taxicab driver who worked 17 years to bring his family to America.

“I still think, despite imperfections, that we still have the best democracy and country in the world,” Edwards said.

Medals presented to World War II veteran ...

Kat — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 20:51:05 -0700

March 1, 2006
Medals presented to World War II veteran after 61 years

Cleburne Times Review
By Rob Fraser | Staff writer

BURLESON - Joshua resident Jim Ashcraft was given two U.S. Navy medals 61 years after they were earned during an emotional presentation Friday afternoon.

Rep. Chet Edwards made the presentation of the Navy Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross during the Area Veterans Leaders meeting at the Burleson Public Library.

Ashcraft family members from as far away as Atlanta, Ga., attended the program,

Ashcraft was born in Rio Vista April 27, 1924, and joined the U.S. Navy Sept. 17, 1942. He attended boot camp and aviation radio school in Corpus Christi.
Edwards said his father was a pilot and instructor at Corpus Christi at the same time Ashcraft was undergoing training.

Ashcraft was assigned to the USS Monterey and USS Croatan in the Atlantic in 1943. In December of that year he was assigned to torpedo squadron 14 on the USS Wasp, where he served as aviation radioman second class in the Pacific Theater.

When he was discharged Jan. 15, 1945, he was awarded the EAME Medal, Victory Medal, American Campaign, Good Conduct, Asiatic-Pacific, Philippine Liberation and Air Medals.

Edwards said once in a while men and women who served our country many years ago in a distinguished way may not have been appropriately and formally honored by a nation for their service, and this was such a case.

Edwards said his office was contacted about the status of the medals that had been approved but never received.

The U.S. Navy Personnel Operations Department was contacted and asked to expedite the process.

Edwards said it was his honor to present the medals on behalf of the country and the president.

The congressman said he was speaking from the heart as a father of two sons and said in reference to all U.S. World War II veterans, “I am grateful for your sacrifices and heroic service during World War II. There is a reason you were called the Greatest Generation.”

Edwards said people today can only imagine what the world would look like today “if it had not been for Americans who sacrificed so much and who were away from their families for so long and for the many who never came back as this nation stood up to its enemies. If it weren't for these men and women, there is no telling what language we might be speaking.”

Edwards said to Ashcraft before he presented the two medals, “I would like to say to you please don't hold me responsible for the fact that it took our government 61 years to properly honor you and get your medals.”

The Navy Air Medal was presented to Ashcraft, who distinguished himself during an Oct. 26, 1944 attack on a Japanese destroyer in the Tablas Straits, Philippines, with a torpedo. The bow of the ship was blown off, and the ship was later beached and abandoned.

Ashcraft said he was told that in 1985 the ship was still on the beach.

The Distinguished Flying Cross was awarded for extraordinary achievement during service with the torpedo squadron from May 5 to July 26, 1944. He contributed to U.S. efforts, displayed loyal devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Navy.
Ashcraft said he was “glad to get them.”

After his service in the Navy he played professional baseball for five years before going to work for the Santa Fe Railroad for 34 years.