[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 125 (Monday, July 13, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO 1ST LIEUTENANT DAVID JOHN SCHMITZ

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                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 13, 2020

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a hero and 
true American patriot, United States Air Force First Lieutenant David 
John Schmitz. Today we ask that the House of Representatives honor and 
remember this incredible young man who died in service to our country.
  1st Lt. Schmitz was born in Santa Barbara, California on February 17, 
1988 to Brian and Sherrie Schmitz. At the age of only 17, 1st Lt. 
Schmitz earned his private pilot's license marking the start to his 
career in aviation. He attended San Diego State University where he 
enrolled in the University's Air Force ROTC program in hopes of 
becoming an Air Force pilot. His success in the program was evident and 
before completing his degree he enlisted in the United States Air 
Force.
  His first duty station was as a loadmaster and instructor on a C-17 
cargo plane where he participated in critical missions, such as 
delivering supplies to troops on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq. It 
was during his time as a loadmaster that he met the love of his life 
and his future wife, Valerie Rudolph. With Valerie living in New Mexico 
and David stationed in Tacoma, Washington, the two began their 
relationship, which they navigated through long-distance and two 
deployments. They were married in 2013.
  1st Lt. Schmitz completed his undergraduate degree through Embry-
Riddle Aeronautical University, keeping up his studies even while 
deployed. Once he completed his degree, 1st Lt. Schmitz earned a slot 
as a fighter pilot and was commissioned through Officer Training 
School. He completed his undergraduate pilot training with high honors 
and earned numerous accolades.
  His great success led him to be selected to fly F-16 aircraft at Shaw 
Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina. On June 30, 2020, 1st Lt. 
Schmitz was tragically killed when his F-16 crashed during a training 
mission. He is survived by his wife Valerie, their dog Toby, his 
parents Brian and Sherrie Schmitz, sister Laura Schmitz (Issac 
Stewart), and his grandmother Louise Schmitz, along with numerous 
relatives and friends.
  As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we 
realize that this history is comprised of men and women, just like 1st 
Lt. Schmitz, who bravely fought for the ideals of freedom and 
democracy. Each story is unique and humbling for those of us who, far 
from the dangers they have faced, live our lives in relative comfort 
and ease. The day the Schmitz family learned of their husband, son, and 
brother's death was probably the hardest day they have ever faced, and 
our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to them. His 
sacrifice is forever etched in our nation's great history of freedom 
triumphing over oppression. 1st Lt. Schmitz's family has given a part 
of themselves in the loss of their loved one and we hope they know that 
the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he has made 
will never be forgotten.

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