[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 185 (Thursday, October 21, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JAMES P. BURIAK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 21, 2021

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Naval Air Crewman 1st 
Class James ``Jimmy'' P. Buriak, who died on August 31, 2021, at the 
age of 31.
  Mr. Buriak, of Salem, Virginia, was one of the five sailors that lost 
their lives when an MH-60S helicopter embarked aboard the aircraft 
carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, crashed into the sea off the coast of 
southern California. At the time of the crash, the helicopter was 
conducting what the Navy described as ``routine flight operations.''
  Mr. Buriak was born on May 9, 1990, to Jim and Carol Buriak in Salem. 
He graduated from Salem High School in 2008 and from Roanoke College in 
2012. He joined the Navy in 2017 and served as a rescue swimmer 
assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight. He deployed aboard 
the USS Theodore Roosevelt for two consecutive tours before departing 
for the USS Abraham Lincoln.
  Last year, Mr. Buriak was honored for rescuing a man caught in a rip 
current off Guam's Gun Beach. Though coral reefs surround the island, 
and the gentleman was weak from exhaustion, Mr. Buriak was still able 
to pull him from the current and bring him safely to shore. He was off 
duty at the time of the rescue and earned the Navy Commendation Medal 
for his selflessness and bravery.
  Mr. Buriak's thoughtful character far exceeded the parameters of his 
job. He always went out of his way to help those in need and go the 
extra mile that others weren't willing to do. He was a charismatic and 
caring man. He valued his friends and time spent with his wife and son. 
He was esteemed as a hero. I offer my gratitude for his work and 
sacrifice for our great country. His selfless service will not be 
forgotten.
  His wife, Megan, is starting the AWS1 James Buriak Foundation to 
continue honoring his legacy. The foundation will seek to improve 
financial shortcomings for Gold Star families with small children.
  Mr. Buriak is survived by his wife, Megan, and young son, Caulder, as 
well as his parents, Jim and Carol Buriak, his sister, Laura, and 
brother-in-law, Erik Zickefoose. I offer them my condolences on their 
loss.

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