[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 190 (Thursday, October 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE VETERANS AIRLIFT COMMAND

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                           HON. JAY OBERNOLTE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 28, 2021

  Mr. OBERNOLTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
outstanding service of the Veteran Airlift Command, an organization 
which I've volunteered with for many years that has a dedicated network 
of volunteers working to support our nation's wounded warriors across 
the country.
  The Veteran Airlift Command, founded by Vietnam War veteran Walter 
Fricke, has impacted the lives of countless wounded veterans by 
providing them and their families air transportation when they 
desperately need it. After being wounded while serving as a helicopter 
pilot in Vietnam, Walter, like countless other wounded veterans, had to 
face the challenges presented by everyday civilian life. He realized 
that despite commercial air travel constituting one of the most 
essential aspects of modern life, it was among the most inaccessible, 
especially for our wounded veterans.
  As a military trained pilot with over 800 hours of combat flying, 
Walter was well equipped to remedy this issue. He had an idea for a 
national organization of volunteer pilots and aircraft that would fly 
wounded warriors and their families with dignity, respect, and 
gratitude, and so in 2006 he founded the Veteran Airlift Command.
  Walter started the Veterans Airlift Command with his own personal 
finances, flying expertise, and aircraft, but today the Veterans 
Airlift Command has grown into substantial program that boasts a 
volunteer core of over 2,600 volunteer pilots and aircraft with over 
18,000 passengers successfully flown.
  The VAC has been and will continue to be an incredible and essential 
lifeline for wounded veterans and their families. Thanks to their work 
and that of thousands of volunteer pilots across the country, we can 
give back to our nation's wounded warriors and provide the dignity, 
respect, and comfort that our heroes deserve. I am honored to recognize 
the VAC today and proud to have the opportunity to volunteer with this 
organization and give back to those who have sacrificed part of 
themselves in the defense of this Nation.

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