[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 87 (Tuesday, June 2, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE SERVICE OF REVEREND GUY S. McKENZIE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY BARR

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2015

  Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding 
individual, Reverend Guy S. McKenzie of Owingsville, Kentucky, for his 
distinguished military service during World War II. Reverend McKenzie 
served our nation in uniform from 1943 to 1946.
  Reverend McKenzie spent his early years in farming. At the age of 19, 
he enlisted in the United States Navy. Shortly after enlisting, he 
began a three year tour in the South Pacific.
  Not long after his deployment, Reverend McKenzie was assigned to the 
USS Houston. While the ship was traveling from Pearl Harbor to Formosa, 
now known as Taiwan, the ship came under heavy fire from the Japanese. 
It was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine, cutting an immense gash in 
the side of her hull. As the ship was sinking, Reverend McKenzie 
thought about his life and wondered if these were his final moments on 
earth. He jumped in the water, began to pray, and promised the Lord 
that he would serve him for the rest of his life if he would be spared. 
After floating for some time in the ocean, the USS Loftberg came along 
and rescued McKenzie and the remaining survivors.
  Reverend McKenzie spent the rest of his tour of duty aboard the USS 
Loftberg. He was honorably discharged from the United States Navy in 
1946 with the rank of First Seaman and returned home to his family. Two 
years after his return, he kept his promise and gave his life to the 
Lord.
  Ten years later, he began preaching. Reverend McKenzie retired after 
26 years of pastoring. Because of his love, compassion, and caring 
service, he impacted many lives. Reverend McKenzie has been married to 
Joyce for 70 years. They have six children, eleven grandchildren, ten 
great grandchildren, and two great, great grandchildren. Reverend 
McKenzie is to be commended for his brave service to his country, his 
strong passion for the Lord, and his loyal life as a family man.
  Reverend McKenzie's bravery and that of his fellow men and women in 
uniform secured our freedoms for future generations. He is truly an 
outstanding American, a protector of freedom, and an inspiration to us 
all.

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