[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 15 (Thursday, January 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E86]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN REMEMBRANCE OF MAJOR ROBERT SAUNDERS GOOCH, IV

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                               of virginia

                     in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 24, 2019

   Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Major 
Robert Saunders Gooch, IV, for his acts of fellowship, goodwill, and 
service which have greatly improved our country. Robert was born on May 
24, 1984, in Richmond, Virginia, and passed away at 34 years old.
   Robert was a devoted father who was passionate about spending time 
making memories with his family, especially swimming, skating, and 
biking. He was an avid fitness and nutrition enthusiast and enjoyed 
snowboarding, hiking, and riding motorcycles. With a radiating 
personality, Robert was described as energetic, a friend to everyone he 
met and always willing to help others. He was a skilled electronics 
technician and held numerous certifications while working in his 
family's business.
   Robert enlisted in the U.S. Navy on his 17th birthday and after 
earning his Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Magna Cum Laude, in 
2006, he commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. Among the 
numerous accolades earned during his distinguished career, Robert was 
awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army 
Commendation Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, Afghanistan 
Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars, and his Parachutist 
Badge. Major Gooch faithfully served including four deployments to 
Afghanistan.
   Robert is survived by his fiancee, Kathryn Dizon, his mother Sherry 
and her husband lonel Nae, his father Robert Gooch II and his wife 
Diane Gooch, and his children Mia Gooch, Abby Gooch, and Robert Gooch V 
as well as his sisters Stacy Pawluk and Stephanie Felts, brothers 
Brandon and Jacob Gooch along with 8 adoring nieces and nephews.
   Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the life of Major 
Robert Saunders Gooch, IV, as his life is celebrated by family and 
friends and for his dedication and outstanding service to our country.

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