WASHINGTON, DC – In honor of Thanksgiving, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) recognized Odessa-native Jesse Porras, a Marine Veteran who has been serving Thanksgiving meals to those in need for nearly a decade, in a speech on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Remarks as prepared for delivery:

“I rise today to recognize a servant leader in our community—Odessa native and Marine Veteran, Mr. Jesse Porras. Mr. Porras has been cooking and serving a Thanksgiving meal to hundreds of Odessans in need every year since 2013, when he first felt called to provide a warm, comforting meal to anyone in need or struggling with homelessness in our community. Since then, it has grown into a community feast—with local businesses and others partnering with Jesse. Over the past 9 years, Mr. Porras’ Thanksgiving meal has fed thousands and lifted the spirits of our entire community.

“Jesse Porras is an inspiration to us all. Not only was he willing to put his life on the line through his service to our country as a Marine, but he continues that service through his generosity and philanthropic spirit today. This is something we can all emulate, especially as we get closer to the holidays.

“Thank you, Mr. Porras, for giving so much of your time, talent, and goodwill to share the blessings of Thanksgiving with our neighbors. You are an inspiration to us all.”

Watch Pfluger’s remarks here.