[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 146 (Friday, August 14, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING THE SERVICE OF PATRICK KEPLINGER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 14, 2020

  Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Patrick Keplinger, a 
member of my staff who has contributed over 20 years of exceptional 
service to our Country.
  Patrick was commissioned as an officer in 2001 and served two tours 
in Operation Iraqi Freedom before achieving the rank of Major in the 
United States Marine Corps. In 2015, Patrick made his way to the House 
of Representatives, where he joined my team as a Wounded Warrior 
fellow. In this role, Patrick helped fellow veterans navigate the 
Department of Veterans' Affairs and access the benefits they have 
earned and deserve. Later that year, he became a permanent staff member 
in my Hemet office, where he has since served as a field 
representative. For the past five years, Patrick has worked diligently 
to address the military's use of toxic burn pits and advocate for 
veterans in our community.
  One of Patrick's most significant accomplishments in my office was 
the case of Jennifer Kepner, a 39-year-old veteran from Cathedral City. 
Jennifer served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and in 2016 was diagnosed 
with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. Her doctors determined that her 
exposure to burn pits during her deployment was the cause of her 
cancer. The VA denied her claim for compensation, but Patrick helped 
her obtain 100 percent service-connected compensation. Additionally, 
Patrick helped bring the burn pit issue to the forefront, resulting in 
my burn pit bill, H.R. 4137, the Jennifer Kepner HOPE Act. Together, we 
continue to work to bring national attention to this issue.
  Patrick's passion for serving our Country is not ending but starting 
a new chapter. He will be working at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base 
in San Diego, where he will help active duty service members transition 
back to civilian life. I believe Patrick is perfect for this because 
wherever Patrick is, there is a purpose.
  On behalf of our entire community, I thank Patrick, for his 
exceptional continued service and wish Big Marine good luck with his 
future endeavors.

                          ____________________