Texas state senator, 9/11 survivor, nominated for assistant secretary of Defense

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(The Center Square) – Retiring Texas state Sen, Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, has been nominated by President Donald Trump to be the next assistant secretary of Defense. 

His name was fourth on a list of nominations sent to the U.S. Senate for confirmation.

Birdwell served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, retiring as lieutenant colonel. 

The last time he was on active duty in uniform was on Sept. 11, 2001, when he survived the terrorist attack on the Pentagon and received a Purple Heart.

Birdwell was only 15 to 20 yards from where Flight 77, a 757 passenger plane, crashed into the Pentagon. He was one of only a few from his office sector to survive.

Sixty percent of his body was burned, more than half of the burns were third-degree burns. He’d undergo 39 operations, endure months of hospitalization and numerous skin grafts. His survival story can be found here. 

When he retired, Birdwell was awarded the Legion of Merit. For his service overseas in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, he was awarded the Bronze Star for Exceptional Meritorious Achievement.

Birdwell and his wife founded Face the Fire Ministries to support critical-burn survivors and wounded service members and their families. They also authored, “Refined by Fire: A Family's Triumph of Love and Faith,” chronicling his survival and recovery. 

A native of Texas, Birdwell was elected to the Texas Senate in 2010. He was reelected every four years and announced he was retiring this year.

Throughout his tenure, Birdwell received top rankings and recognitions from numerous pro-life, pro-business and conservative organizations, including National Federation of Independent Business, Texas State Rifle Association/National Rifle Association, Texas Right to Life, Texas Heritage Alliance and Texas Conservative Coalition, among many others.

His legislative accomplishments include authoring and passing bills recently signed into law, including laws to protect Texans and Texas land from foreign adversaries, expanded pro-life laws, camp oversight and flood management reform in the aftermath of the catastrophic July 4 flood, property tax reform, election reform, and the state’s first pro-school choice program, among many others.

 Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick congratulated Birdwelll, saying he “is truly one of the greatest senators ever to serve Texas” and “respected by all members for his work ethic, boldness, and kindness.”

He also said his appointment was “no surprise to those who know him,” citing his military honors and “lifetime of service from the battlefield, to the Pentagon, and in the Texas Senate. A soldier at heart, I know he will give his all and serve our country honorably in his next mission as Assistant Secretary of Defense.”

House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, also congratulated him, saying, “Senator Birdwell’s life is the very definition of courage, faith, and service. His steadfast devotion to God, country, and the people of Texas has inspired countless Americans. We are incredibly proud of him and grateful that his unmatched integrity and experience will continue to serve our nation at the highest level. Congratulations, Senator Birdwell – America is blessed to have you.”

A majority vote in the U.S. Senate is needed for his confirmation.