Brian Birdwell
Brian D. Birdwell (born November 3, 1961) 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. Career. In 2001, Birdwell was working with the United States Army at The Pentagon. Two days after being injured when American Airlines Flight 77  crashed into The Pentagon, Birdwell met President George W. Bush. 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. He holds a Purple Heart and a Legion of Merit. Elections. He defeated David Sibley in a June 22, 2010 special election, replacing Kip Averitt. Birdwell won the 2010 general election unopposed. 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." 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. Personal life. He has one son with his wife, Mel.