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Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) will host Stephen Willeford, a fourth generation Sutherland Springs native, to witness President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union Address on Tuesday, January 30 at the nation’s capital. Mr. Willeford bravely confronted the Sutherland Springs assailant last November at the First Baptist Church in Texas. Representative Cuellar will cover traveling accommodations for Mr. Willeford and his wife Pam Willeford to Washington, D.C., for the event.

“I speak on behalf of the entire Sutherland Springs community when I say that we are grateful to have such an incredible citizen visit,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “It is amazing that this man, who almost became a victim himself, managed to face the assailant and ultimately prevented further tragedy from unfolding.”

Sutherland Springs native, Stephen Willeford, will fly to D.C. to join Representative Henry Cuellar for the President’s State of the Union Address on January 30, 2018. Photo Credit: Wilson County News/Jeff Valcher.

“I would like to personally thank Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt, Jr., County Commissioner Albert Gamez, Jr., County Judge Richard Jackson, community member Johnnie Langendorff, along with Wilson County first responders, volunteer firefighters and health professionals, for their hard work on that saddening day in November. Although the bravery of Wilson County can never be fully rewarded, I am honored to have Mr. Willeford represent these individuals in Washington.”

Congressman Cuellar added, “We will always remember the lives lost in Sutherland Springs and I applaud Stephen Willeford for his selfless actions. I am proud to have him as my guest at the President’s State of the Union Address.”