[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 69 (Thursday, May 8, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S2865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING ERNIE SCHOCH

 Mr. HELLER. Madam President, today we honor the life and 
service of Ernie Schoch, whose passing signifies a great loss to 
Nevada. I send my condolences and prayers to Joann and all of Ernie's 
family in this time of mourning.
  Ernie came to the United States to become a member of the U.S. Air 
Force. During his tenure in the Air Force, Ernie was a recipient of the 
prestigious Good Conduct Medal. Airmen awarded this medal must earn 
character and efficiency ratings of excellent or higher throughout a 3-
year period of Active military service or for a 1-year period of 
service during a time of war. As one of our Nation's servicemembers, he 
made exceptional sacrifices for our country and deserves our deepest 
gratitude. I am both humbled and honored by not only his but his 
family's service to our great Nation.
  Ernie and his wife Joann were exemplary volunteers throughout the 
community. Their selflessness extends far beyond our Nation's military. 
He was dedicated to supporting homeless veterans and worked with the 
U.S. Veterans Initiative and other organizations in his spare time. As 
a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am proud to have 
continued his work through my own legislative proposals to help in 
assisting homeless veterans. His volunteerism brought so much to his 
community, and rest assured his contributions will remain a lasting 
legacy in the ``Silver State.''
  I extend my deepest sympathies to Joann and all of Ernie's family. We 
will always remember Ernie for his courageous contributions to the 
United States of America and to freedom-loving nations around the 
world. His service to his country and his bravery and dedication to his 
family and community earn him a place among the outstanding men and 
women who have valiantly defended our Nation.
  Ernie's wife Joann is a woman whom I am proud to call a friend. 
Together, the two were an inseparable couple whose love for each other 
was obvious to anyone who spent time with them. They enjoyed traveling 
together and sharing their stories with all who eagerly listened. When 
not traveling or volunteering, Joann and Ernie opened their home 
generously to the many people who loved their company.
  Throughout his life, Ernie maintained a dedication to the 
preservation of justice and integrity, which I am honored to commend. 
Today, I join the Clark County community and citizens of the ``Silver 
State'' to celebrate the life of an upstanding Nevadan.

                          ____________________