The AB is comprised of individuals who share a common belief in education.  As part of the AB, the organization hosts a semiannual Speaker Series, which features private talks by accomplished professionals.

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) and current Texas Senator (Dist. 22) Brian Birdwell spoke to the AB members in attendance. Birdwell, a survivor of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, recounted the explosion and resulting fires that left him burned over 60% of his body.

“We are grateful that Senator Birdwell would take time out of his busy schedule to share his story with our group,” Vice President Justin Hernandez said. “He is a true American hero and someone we are very proud to have representing the state of Texas.”

Senator Birdwell is native of Fort Worth, and a graduate of Lamar University, the United States Army Command & General Staff College, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. After serving in the Army for more than twenty years, he was first elected to the Texas Senate in a June 2010 special election, and was subsequently re-elected in Nov. 2010 and again in Nov. of 2012.