[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 109 (Thursday, June 28, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E951-E952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REMEMBERING MAJOR CHRISTOPHER T. ZANETIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2018

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I 
rise today to honor the life of a true American hero, Major Christopher 
``Tripp'' Zanetis who gave his country the last full measure of 
devotion. On March 15, 2018, Major Zanetis and six other American 
soldiers were killed when their helicopter crashed during a mission in 
Iraq. Major Zanetis served with the 106th Rescue Wing, New York Air 
National Guard and was deployed in support of Operation Inherent 
Resolve in Iraq. I, along with all Americans, stand in eternal 
gratitude for the dedication, service and sacrifice of this young man. 
As we celebrate our nation's 242nd birthday and our freedoms on July 
4th I would like to take a moment to honor and recognize the service of 
Major Zanetis who gave his life to protect the liberties Americans hold 
dear.
  A native of Carmel, Indiana, Tripp graduated from Carmel High School 
in 1999, where he was on the Greyhounds' diving team and a member of 
the Ambassador's show choir. His education led him to New York City, 
where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from New York 
University and graduated cum laude. Tripp quickly stood out as a leader 
serving on the student senate and as President of the student body. He 
was also a member of the NYU swimming and diving team.
  On September 11, 2001, Tripp was living three blocks from the World 
Trade Center. In the midst of the terrorist attacks, Tripp volunteered 
at Ground Zero helping first responders aid victims. Tripp stayed at 
Ground Zero for hours assisting with the response. His experience on 9/
11 inspired him to join the New York City Fire Department in 2004, 
where he ultimately became a Fire Marshal and was assigned to the 
Bureau of Fire Investigation's Citywide South in Brooklyn. In 2014, 
Tripp received a commendation for bravery for his role in the 
investigative unit.
  Tripp joined the Air National Guard in 2008 and trained to fly the 
Air Force's combat search and rescue helicopter--the HH60G PaveHawk. He 
was later deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq in 2011 and 2012 with 
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. During his service 
with the Air National Guard, he flew search and rescue helicopters with 
the 106th Rescue Wing. Tripp received the Meritorious Service Medal and 
five Air Medals for combat missions. While still on active duty, Tripp 
enrolled at Stanford Law School. There, he served as co-president of 
the Stanford Law Veterans organization, co-produced the Stanford Law 
musical, and facilitated Stanford Law's inaugural OutLaw Conference on 
LGBTQ Advocacy in the workplace. Tripp was also a member of both the 
International Refugee Assistance Project and the Stanford

[[Page E952]]

Journal of International Law. He graduated with pro bono distinction in 
2017.
  His many awards are a testament to the exceptional character of this 
incredibly talented, compassionate, and immensely brave young man. A 
true public servant, Tripp continued striving for success beyond the 
combat field and advocated for LGBTQ and human rights. Tripp strived to 
make a difference, taking an internship with the Office of Legal 
Affairs at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. He was also a participant of 
the Stanford International Human Rights Conflict Resolution Clinic and 
was awarded the National LGBT Bar Association's Student Leadership 
Award.
  Major Zanetis will forever be remembered as an extraordinary 
individual who gave his life defending the freedoms that we so cherish. 
Tripp came from a family of true patriots, following the example set by 
his maternal and paternal grandfathers who were both World War II 
veterans. Major Zanetis is survived by his parents, Sarah and John 
Zanetis; sisters, Angela and Britt Zanetis; nephew, Beau Zanetis; 
grandmother, Joyce Galbreath; numerous loving Aunts and Uncles; and his 
boyfriend, Jean Pouget-Abadie. Tripp also leaves behind his beloved 
Malinois, Nyx. I extend my deepest condolences to Tripp's family and 
friends who mourn his loss. On a day we gather together to honor our 
independence, may we remember the sacrifices made by patriots like 
Major Zanetis who so selflessly defend our rights and freedoms.