[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 14, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S6476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                 Honoring Lance Corporal Rylee McCollum

  Ms. LUMMIS. Madam President, Wyoming's heart is heavy with grief 
today. I rise to honor the life, sacrifice, and memory of Wyoming 
native LCpl Rylee McCollum. He, along with 12 of his fellow 
servicemembers, lost their lives while defending the airport in Kabul 
as American citizens and allies escaped the clutches of the Taliban. 
Their selfless service and sacrifice will be honored and remembered, 
and they will be forever cherished by a grateful nation.
  Rylee was a Wyoming guy through and through. His life's goal of 
serving in the U.S. Marine Corps began seemingly while he was still in 
diapers, before he could even comprehend what that entailed. He was 
born with the heart of a soldier.
  He joined the military right out of high school. He heard the call to 
defend our Nation, and he didn't hesitate to answer that call. He had 
plans to become a history teacher and coach once he finished his 
commitment to the Marines. He was about to become a father.
  I had the opportunity to meet with some of Rylee's family this past 
weekend. I had the great honor of expressing my deepest appreciation of 
Rylee's sacrifice to them in person on behalf of a very grateful 
Wyoming. Wyoming's very special way of honoring its beloved Rylee was 
on full display last Friday.
  People waving Americans flags lined the streets of Jackson to give 
Rylee a hero's welcome as his remains were returned home. The people of 
Wyoming are heartbroken but infinitely proud of his bravery and 
sacrifice.
  Just yesterday, September 13, 2021, Rylee's family welcomed into the 
world his daughter, Levi Rylee Rose--8 pounds, 10 ounces. Although she 
will never meet her father, who was killed before she was born, she 
will be surrounded by love from mother Gigi, proud grandfather Jim 
McCollum, Rylee's sisters, and many other relatives who will share with 
Levi what a wonderful and heroic father she had.
  Our hearts, our love, our prayers, and our embrace are with Rylee's 
wife, child, friends, and family as they grieve his loss and remember 
his bravery.
  Madam President, Wyoming will never ever forget.
  I yield back.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Murphy). The Senator from Nebraska.