House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) honored World War II veteran J.L. Stevens of Big Spring, Texas, on the House floor in Washington, D.C., recognizing his recent 100th birthday and his service during the war.
Arrington described Stevens as “a true West Texas giant and American hero,” highlighting his enlistment in the United States Navy at age 17 in 1943. Stevens served as a Gunner’s Mate aboard the USS Hambleton and participated directly in combat during D-Day while supporting the Allied invasion of Normandy.
“Despite suffering combat injuries in Europe, Mr. Stevens continued his service, which concluded in 1945 in the Pacific Theater, where he personally witnessed the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender in Tokyo Harbor, bringing World War II to its official end,” Arrington said.
After returning from military service, Stevens worked as a carpenter in Big Spring, contributing to local projects such as building the firehouse and the city’s original VA hospital.
Arrington added: “Mr. Speaker, Mr. J.L. Stevens represents the very best of West Texas – in his heroic service to our country and in a lifetime of hard work, faith, and devotion to his family, to his community, and to this great country of ours.”
The congressman concluded by inviting colleagues to join him in celebrating Stevens’ centennial birthday and honoring his legacy: “I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him a happy 100th birthday and thanking him for a legacy of service that will long endure.”
Jodey Arrington has represented Texas’ 19th district since replacing Randy Neugebauer in Congress in 2017. He has consistently won re-election with significant margins over various opponents throughout recent election cycles.
