[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 111 (Monday, July 11, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          REMARKS HONORING THE LIFE OF COLONEL THOMAS SCHAEFER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHRIS COLLINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 11, 2016

  Mr. COLLINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
distinguished Colonel Thomas Schaefer, an American hero. Colonel 
Schaefer was born in Western New York and spent much of his childhood 
at his parents' cottage, ``The Cottonwood,'' on Honeoye Lake. Colonel 
Schaefer eventually joined the military and was the highest-ranking 
United States military officer at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran when it 
was seized by a group of Iranian students on November 4, 1979. During 
the next 444 days in captivity, Colonel Schaefer bore the brunt of the 
Iranian hostile actions and intimidation due to his senior position. 
During his captivity, his Iranian captors frequently threatened to 
execute him. Despite these dire conditions, Colonel Schafer displayed 
tremendous leadership and bravery. Colonel Schaefer was among the last 
hostages to be released, finally returning to his family on January 20, 
1981.
  Two years after he was released from Iran, Colonel Schaefer retired 
from the Air Force to undertake a new mission. Described by his family 
as enduringly positive, Schaefer turned to a career as a motivational 
speaker, focusing on the importance of never giving up in the face of 
hardship. As a professional speaker, he spoke to more than 250,000 
people about his own experiences with adversity.
  Colonel Thomas Schaefer recently passed away at the age of 85 in 
Scottsdale. Arizona, where he has lived with his wife, Anita, for the 
past 30 years. His family is exceptionally proud of the thousands of 
lives he impacted and his actions as a leader, father, and husband. In 
describing how he wanted to be remembered. Schaefer remarked, ``for 
being a good guy.'' It's safe to say he achieved his goal.
  Colonel Schaefer will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. I 
want to thank Colonel Schaefer for his brave service to our nation, and 
remember the thousands of lives he has positively impacted.

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