[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 197 (Thursday, November 19, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H5938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING U.S. ARMY STAFF SERGEANT KYLE McKEE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio 
(Mr. Joyce) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to 
honor the life and service of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Kyle McKee.
  Staff Sergeant McKee was killed on November 12 in a Black Hawk 
helicopter crash during a routine peacekeeping mission in Egypt. He was 
one of five American soldiers who lost their lives in that crash, all 
members of the Multinational Force and Observers, which oversees the 
peace agreement reached between Egypt and Israel as part of the Camp 
David Accords of 1978.
  This tragic loss of life came less than 24 hours after our Nation 
observed Veterans Day, and it is a somber reminder that the security 
and the freedoms we enjoy each and every day are not free. They are 
paid for by the service and sacrifice of brave men and women in uniform 
like Staff Sergeant McKee.
  Originally from Leroy Township, Staff Sergeant McKee graduated from 
Riverside High School in 2003 and followed in both his father's and 
brother's footsteps when he enlisted in the Army that same year.
  In the 17 years that have passed since, he served as a crew chief in 
Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korea, receiving numerous awards and 
decorations, including the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the 
National Defense Service Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and both 
the Army Commendation and Achievement Medals.
  I could go on. The list of Staff Sergeant McKee's military accolades 
is not a short one.
  But he wasn't just a patriot who stepped up to serve his country. He 
was also a dedicated husband to his wife, Nikki, and a father to not 
only two sons but his daughter, who is expected to be born any day now.
  As a father of three myself, I can't begin to imagine the pain his 
family is feeling right now.
  I invite the entire northeast Ohio community to join Kelly and me in 
keeping them in our prayers and giving them strength and support during 
this difficult time.
  I know this entire Chamber is forever grateful to Staff Sergeant 
McKee for his service, so I would like to conclude by requesting a 
moment of silence to honor his life and pray for his loved ones.

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