WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) and U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statements after the Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell VA Clinic Act, which would rename the San Angelo Community Based Outpatient VA Clinic to honor the Powell’s lifetime of service to the area, was signed into law:

“Colonel Powell and JoAnne dedicated their lives to serving our country,” said Rep. Pfluger. “The impact they made on San Angelo, Goodfellow Air Force Base, and our entire military community cannot be overstated. Their unparalleled patriotism and service made the Concho Valley a better place. I am extremely proud that now every veteran who walks in for care at the clinic will be inspired by the service of Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell.”

“The work done by Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell spanned decades and impacted thousands of West Texans,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m grateful to Congressman Pfluger for joining with me on this, and I can think of no recognition more fitting to the Powells and their support of veterans than a VA clinic named in their honor.

Background:

Colonel Charles E. Powell was a Texas native and a 30-year Air Force pilot who volunteered to serve in Vietnam as a Rescue Crew Commander flying 168 combat missions and later served as Commander of the 17th Training Wing at Goodfellow Air Force Base. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Legions of Merit, and the Air Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters. After his Air Force career, Colonel Powell served his community as a board member for United Way of Texas, Boy Scouts of Southwest Texas, Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, and the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, earning Citizen of the Year by the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, the Distinguished Citizen of the Year award from the Boy Scouts of Southwest Texas, and Veteran of the Year at Angelo State University. He also served on Senator Cornyn’s Service Academy Selection Board for more than a decade helping to review applications from Texas students applying for a nomination to U.S. service academies.

His wife, JoAnne served as a Congressional District Office Manager and regional staff aide to four Members of Congress: Tom Loeffler, Lamar Smith, Mike Conaway, and August Pfluger throughout her 35 years of service. She served on the boards of the Red Cross, Meals for the Elderly, Hospice of San Angelo, and was frequently referred to as “the First Lady of Goodfellow Air Force Base.” 

Colonel Powell passed away on July 2, 2020 and JoAnne Powell passed on March 24, 2021. The couple was married for 65 years.

Congressman August Pfluger, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security Committees.

Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Finance, Intelligence, and Judiciary Committees.