[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MASTER SERGEANT MICHAEL ALOYSIUS RYAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LEE M. ZELDIN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2018

  Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, service and 
legacy of Master Sergeant Michael Aloysius Ryan. Born on May 15, 1946, 
Master Sergeant Ryan dedicated his life to his country through his 
service with the Armed Forces. Earning his High School GED through the 
United States Armed Forces Institute, he went on to serve two tours in 
Vietnam and one in the Persian Gulf.
  Throughout his service, Master Sergeant Ryan earned many decorations, 
medals and commendations, including two Air Medals, the Vietnam Service 
Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, 
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Marine 
Corps Good Conduct Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Badge with 
Rifle, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit 
Award, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces 
Reserve Medal and Army Rifle MIG Expert Badge.
  Returning home to transition into the Air Force Reserve, Master 
Sergeant Ryan continued to serve his nation as a member of the 106th 
Rescue Wing of Westhampton Beach, New York. Once again answering the 
call of duty, Master Sergeant Ryan stepped up in the immediate 
aftermath of September 11th as a part of the search and recovery 
mission at the World Trade Center. Within one week of working the pile 
at Ground Zero, Master Sergeant Ryan contracted an incurable lung 
disease, one he would succumb to nearly seventeen years later.
  Master Sergeant Ryan was kind, loving, dedicated, funny, intelligent 
and a passionate sportsman. He was a loving husband, loyal brother, 
amazing father and caring grandfather, but most of all he was an 
American hero. Having dedicated centuries of his life to serving his 
fellow Americans, he did not hesitate to step up even in our nation's 
darkest moment. For his bravery and heroism, and the sacrifice of his 
family, our country will be eternally grateful. Let his memory serve as 
a promise to always care for our nation's veterans, first responders 
and all those who stepped up in the aftermath of September 11th.

                          ____________________