Brian Birdwell
Brian D. Birdwell | |
---|---|
Member of the Texas Senate from the 22nd district | |
Assumed office July 2, 2010 | |
Preceded by | Kip Averitt |
Personal details | |
Born | Texas, U.S. | November 3, 1961
Political party | Republican |
Children | 1 |
Alma mater | Lamar University University of Missouri-Kansas City |
Website | Campaign website |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States |
Branch/service | United States Army |
Years of service | 1984–2001 |
Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
Awards | Purple Heart Legion of Merit |
Brian D. Birdwell (born November 3, 1961)[1] is an American politician who has served in the Texas Senate for District 22 since 2010. He is a survivor of the September 11, 2001 attacks in The Pentagon.
Education
Birdwell graduated from Lamar University in 1984 and the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1996.[1]
Career
In 2001, Birdwell was working with the United States Army at The Pentagon. Two days after being injured when American Airlines Flight 77 was crashed into the Pentagon, Birdwell met President George W. Bush.[2][3] Rob Maness, a United States Air Force officer who rescued Birdwell, learned about Birdwell's identity only when they met at the 2016 Republican National Convention.[4]
He holds a Purple Heart and a Legion of Merit.[5]
Elections
He defeated David Sibley in a June 22, 2010 special election, replacing Kip Averitt.[6]
Birdwell won the 2010 general election unopposed.[7]
Legislation sponsored
In February 2017, Birdwell sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 2, which calls for a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution. The resolution "seeks amendments that place restraints on the federal budget and check power and enact term limits for U.S. officials."[8] Senate Joint Resolution 2 was passed by both chambers of the Texas Legislature. In May 2017, Birdwell sponsored a bill outlining the duties and limits of Texas delegates should a convention of states occur. It was approved by the Texas House and sent to Texas Governor Greg Abbott.[9]
Personal life
He has one son with his wife Mel.[5]
References
- ^ a b "Brian Birdwell personal profile". texastribune.org. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
- ^ "Birdwell saluted". snopes.com. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
- ^ Post, Colby Itkowitz, The Washington (July 28, 2016). "Senator Brian Birdwell Finally Gets Chance to Thank Man who Helped Him on 9/11". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Mark Ballard (July 24, 2016). "U.S. Senate candidate Rob Maness meets Texas senator he helped save on 9-11 when both were soldiers". The Baton Rouge Advocate. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ a b "Brian Birdwell". brianbirdwell.net. Archived from the original on October 20, 2010. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
- ^ "Gulf War vet Brian Birdwell wins runoff for Central Texas state Senate seat". Dallas Morning News, June 23, 2010. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
- ^ "Christy Hoppe, Brian Birdwell Stays on the Ballot, August 19, 2010". Dallas Morning News. August 22, 2010. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
- ^ Pollock, Cassandra (February 28, 2017). "Texas Senate approves convention of states legislation". Texas Tribune. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
- ^ Pollock, Cassandra (May 27, 2017). "Convention of states-related bill hits Gov. Greg Abbott's desk". Texas Tribune. Retrieved May 30, 2017.
- 1961 births
- American memoirists
- American army personnel of the Gulf War
- Baptists from Texas
- Lamar University alumni
- Living people
- People from Granbury, Texas
- People from Springfield, Virginia
- Recipients of the Legion of Merit
- Survivors of the September 11 attacks
- Texas Republicans
- Texas state senators
- United States Army colonels
- University of Missouri–Kansas City alumni
- 21st-century American politicians
- Baptists from Virginia