[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 161 (Friday, September 17, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE LIFE AND SACRIFICE OF MARINE LANCE CORPORAL RYLEE McCOLLUM

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                            HON. LIZ CHENEY

                               of wyoming

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 17, 2021

  Ms. CHENEY. Madame Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
sacrifice of Marine Lance Corporal Rylee McCollum.
  Rylee was a beloved son, brother, friend, husband, and soon-to-be 
father who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedoms and 
defending our interests while serving in Afghanistan.
  His family remembers him as someone who was wholly intolerant of 
injustice and stood up for those who could not stand up for themselves. 
He was a deeply patriotic young man who had a passion for learning. 
Specifically, he was interested in the ceremonies that encompassed our 
Nation's most sacred traditions. As his father remarked ``He's the most 
patriotic kid you could find, loved America, loved the military. Tough 
as nails with a heart of gold.''
  His willingness to put himself in harm's way to keep our country safe 
and preserve our freedom represents a level of selflessness and heroism 
that embodies the best of America.
  Rylee was a native of Bondurant, Wyoming, and demonstrated an 
interest in joining the Armed Services from an early age. He attended 
Jackson Hole High School, where he became a decorated wrestler, and 
later went on to graduate from Summit Innovations School in Jackson in 
2019. It was no surprise to his friends and family when right after 
graduation, on his 18th birthday, he followed through on his 
determination to serve this Nation at the highest level by enlisting in 
the U.S. Marines.
  Rylee McCollum died a hero, and his bravery will never be forgotten. 
I want to thank him for his service to our country and express the 
deepest condolences of the entire Congress to his family and loved 
ones.

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