[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 164 (Tuesday, September 22, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H4649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING KELLY KREEGER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. LaMalfa) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LaMALFA. Mr. Speaker, sadly, I rise today to honor a friend, Ms. 
Kelly Kreeger, who lost her life this past summer on July 5.
  Kelly was killed in a midair collision above the lake at Coeur 
d'Alene, Idaho. She was, indeed, doing what she loved as a flier, as an 
aviation enthusiast, and as a pilot.
  Her loss is felt throughout our district by her friends, her family, 
and even, very personally, our office. We have one of our offices at 
the Auburn Airport, so our interactions with her and other aviators was 
quite frequent.
  Like many in Placer County in northern California, we are mourning 
the loss of this friend, a patriot. She was such a good, genuine 
person, whom I got to know personally through our many interactions.
  She devoted much of her time to our community, to our veterans, and 
it is through Kelly, of course, that I met and formed a friendship with 
a great, great veteran, Colonel Bud Anderson, who is a World War II 
triple ace fighter pilot. It was just this summer she organized an 
event for him at his home to honor him for his birthday.
  I am very grateful to Kelly for the introduction to Colonel Anderson, 
of course, a man I am honored to call my friend as well.
  She frequently staffed and organized the events in the community for 
Colonel Bud that were certainly befitting his World War II 
accomplishments. They had a street naming for him near the airfield, 
just so many ways that he was to be honored properly. What a great man 
he is, and so their association was certainly a natural one.
  My staff and I are blessed, of course, to be part of the many events 
that Kelly was famous for. Included were several P-51 Mustang flyovers, 
which anybody who loves aircraft loves those; the Never Forget series; 
road dedications, as I mentioned, at the Auburn Airport named for 
Colonel Bud; birthday parties for Colonel Bud; and, of course, honoring 
the men and women of World War II, the Greatest Generation.
  Whenever Kelly would call, you knew that something wonderful was 
about to happen that she had planned. It was the sort of thing that 
could make you stand up a little taller and get your red, white, and 
blue out.
  Kelly, of course, being a great patriot, loved the United States of 
America, from her American flag cowgirl boots to the infectious smile 
she shared with all she met. Indeed, that captures who she is right 
there in that photo. You wouldn't hardly see her without a smile, 
especially when she was taking part in her much-greater-than-a-hobby 
love for aircraft, aviation, and the people and the veterans 
associated.
  As I mentioned, it was my privilege to be part of the Flag Day Parade 
for Colonel Bud in Auburn as well. She brought together children, 
Jeeps, classic cars, and even a flyover to bring Colonel Bud that much 
more joy.
  During this time of pandemic when everybody is shut in, of course, we 
all shared that same joy. It brought a sense of community, a sense of 
remembering who America is, even though we have all been pent up for 
all this time that, indeed, this virus is temporary and we will be 
together as a community once again.
  Our Nation and its people are strong, and nothing will stop us from 
celebrating our heroes. Kelly embodied that.
  Kelly was known to like loud, fast cars, indeed, after my own heart 
there as well. She was able to rebuild an engine herself and was not 
afraid of any hard work.
  She is survived by her mother, Nancy, and two sisters; her brother, 
David; many nieces and nephews; and her lifelong best friend, Vicki.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that Members please join me in prayers for Kelly's 
family and friends in this difficult time. Join with my office as we 
personally feel this pain of her loss.
  At this time, we just ask blessings on Kelly and those closest to 
her. God bless her.
  We will never forget you.

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