Brian Birdwell | |
---|---|
Member of the
Texas Senate from the 22nd district | |
Assumed office July 2, 2010 | |
Preceded by | Kip Averitt |
President pro tempore of the Texas Senate | |
In office January 12, 2021 – May 31, 2021 | |
Preceded by | Joan Huffman |
Succeeded by | Donna Campbell |
Personal details | |
Born | Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. | November 3, 1961
Political party | Republican |
Children | 1 |
Education |
Lamar University (
BS) University of Missouri, Kansas City ( MPA) |
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 Douglas Birdwell [1] (born November 3, 1961) [2] 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 against The Pentagon.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Birdwell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminology from Lamar University in 1984 and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 1996. [3]
On September 11, 2001, Birdwell was working with the United States Army at The Pentagon. He was just leaving a restroom when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building. Birdwell was badly burned by the ensuing fire. [4] Two days after being injured, Birdwell met President George W. Bush. [5] [6] 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. [7]
He holds a Purple Heart and a Legion of Merit. [8]
He defeated David Sibley in a June 22, 2010 special election, replacing Kip Averitt. [9]
Birdwell won the 2010 general election unopposed. [10]
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." [11] 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. [12]
He has one son, Matthew, [13] with his wife, Mel. [8]
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