[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 198 (Friday, November 20, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF COLONEL DALLAS RALPH HANNA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 20, 2020

  Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Colonel 
Dallas Ralph Hanna and to thank him for his service as a veteran of the 
U.S. Air Force. Colonel Dallas Ralph Hanna (Ret.) was born August 14, 
1938 in Salem, Ohio and passed away on November 16, 2020.
  In 1956, Ralph graduated from Salem High School and went on to get 
his undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University. He received his 
master's degree from Central Michigan University becoming a graduate of 
Air War College and starting his career in the United States military.
  Following college, Ralph became a highly decorated career Fighter 
Pilot in the United States Air Force. He was involved in both the Cuban 
Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War and held two FIS command positions, 
retiring as a Colonel. He was stationed everywhere from Goose Bay, 
Labrador to Colorado Springs, Colorado to Keflavik, Iceland. Throughout 
his career, he flew the F-102, the F-4, the F-15, the F-106 and the T-
33 but one of his favorites was the A-1 Skyraider. Ralph became part of 
the biggest rescue mission in the Vietnam War flying the A-1 by 
rescuing downed aircrews and controlling the battlefield until 
additional reinforcements arrived. This mission is one example of the 
many times Ralph put his life on the line to serve his fellow 
servicemen and women and the United States of America.
  I had the pleasure of working with and representing Ralph in 
Virginia's First District, and he will be missed dearly. Mr. Hanna was 
a patriot of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. Ralph 
is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Lou; his two daughters, 
Nikki and Jenny; his son-in-law, Glen; and his two granddaughters, 
Hanna and Marissa.
  His commitment to the ideals that America stands for, his good 
citizenship, self-sacrifice and longevity of service are a testimony to 
all that is best about our country. That is evident throughout his 
career. Colonel Dallas Ralph Hanna (Ret.) is to be commended for his 
dedication and commitment to our nation's democratic principles and for 
the safety of our country. Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask that you 
rise with me in honoring the life of Colonel Dallas Ralph Hanna and 
thanking him for his years of dedicated service to the United States of 
America.

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