[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 112 (Tuesday, July 12, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H4674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE MEMORY OF WEST POINT CADET TOM SURDYKE

  (Mr. SMITH of Missouri asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory 
of West Point Cadet Tom Surdyke from Festus, Missouri.
  I had the honor to appoint Tom to West Point in 2015 and to share in 
his family's celebration the day he earned his Eagle Scout. Tom was a 
member of Missouri Boys State and an honor student at St. Pius High 
School. He was the proud son of Tim and Janice Surdyke and the beloved 
brother of Elaine, Rosemary, and Francie.
  Tom chose a life of service at West Point, and in his death, he 
proved that serving others was always in his heart.
  While on vacation on June 24, 2016, Tom and another swimmer he had 
just met on shore were caught in a riptide. Tom instinctively went to 
the other young man who could not swim, keeping him afloat. But Tom was 
pulled under. Tom died in the hospital 4 days later.
  Continuing his ultimate goal to serve, Tom donated his organs. He was 
buried at West Point on July 4, 2016--on his 19th birthday. He was 
given the Soldier's Medal, the Army's highest non-combat valor award 
because he saved the life of another.
  I grieve the loss of this gifted young man who would have no doubt 
distinguished himself in a life of military service. But, today, I 
celebrate Tom Surdyke's spirit, his character, and the selfless act 
that distinguished him in death.

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