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.
Early life and education
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]
Career
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]
Elections
He defeated David Sibley in a June 22, 2010 special election, replacing Kip Averitt.[9]
Birdwell won the 2010 general election unopposed.[10]
Legislation sponsored
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]
Personal life
He has one son, Matthew,[13] with his wife, Mel.[8]
References
- ^ Ramsey, Ross (July 28, 2010). "One Man, Two Votes". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
- ^ "Brian Birdwell personal profile". texastribune.org. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
- ^ "The Texas State Senate – Senator Brian Birdwell: District 22". senate.texas.gov. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
- ^ "'The impact should have killed me': Texas senator recalls 9/11 Pentagon attack". Spectrum News. September 11, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
- ^ "Birdwell saluted". snopes.com. December 27, 2001. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
- ^ Post, Colby Itkowitz, The Washington (July 28, 2016). "Senator Brian Birdwell Finally Gets Chance to Thank Man who Helped Him on 9/11". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Mark Ballard (July 24, 2016). "U.S. Senate candidate Rob Maness meets Texas senator he helped save on 9-11 when both were soldiers". The Baton Rouge Advocate. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ a b "Brian Birdwell". brianbirdwell.net. Archived from the original on October 20, 2010. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
- ^ "Gulf War vet Brian Birdwell wins runoff for Central Texas state Senate seat". Dallas Morning News, June 23, 2010. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
- ^ "Christy Hoppe, Brian Birdwell Stays on the Ballot, August 19, 2010". Dallas Morning News. August 22, 2010. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
- ^ Pollock, Cassandra (February 28, 2017). "Texas Senate approves convention of states legislation". Texas Tribune. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
- ^ Pollock, Cassandra (May 27, 2017). "Convention of states-related bill hits Gov. Greg Abbott's desk". Texas Tribune. Retrieved May 30, 2017.
- ^ Hastings, Paul. "9/11 Survivor at the Pentagon". Compelled Podcast. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
Members of the Texas Senate | ||
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88th Texas Legislature (2023)
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