[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 211 (Tuesday, December 7, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1322-E1323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING NATHAN RAMIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2021

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a member of our 
team who was instrumental in the safe evacuation of Afghan allies and 
partners alike, Mr. Nathan Ramia.
  Mr. Ramia lives and breathes service. Some would say it's ingrained 
in his DNA as a graduate of the United States Military Academy. But 
beyond his Army bona fides, Mr. Ramia's character stands out in his 
willingness to go above and beyond for a group of vulnerable refugees, 
sight unseen. He leveraged his network, a word used often but rarely 
with so much importance, to bring together individuals from all over 
the world to achieve a common mission.
  But where Nathan's leadership truly stands out is over the course of 
a harrowing 24 hours when our convoy of buses attempted to make it past 
the airport gates. On a group text chain with all the bus drivers, Mr. 
Ramia relayed information, calmed nerves, and succeeded in keeping our 
flock together when immense pressure was on them to turn back. After 
multiple attempts, several scares, and a few strokes of luck, our group 
of Afghans made it through--a testament to Mr. Ramia's poise throughout 
the ordeal.
  There is a definition of courage that comes to mind when one thinks 
of Mr. Ramia--grace under pressure. Undoubtedly he owes some of his 
courage to serving our country faithfully in uniform. But there is 
another, quieter source of Mr. Ramia's courage. It comes from the 
knowledge that his work made a difference in the lives of others. It 
comes from seeing the fruits of his labor in the lives still with us 
instead of lost to a chaotic evacuation. I--and the entire team--owe 
Mr. Ramia an enormous debt of gratitude for his actions and his 
commitment to his fellow man.
  Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Nathan Ramia for his willingness 
to go above and beyond the call of duty in our effort to evacuate 
Afghan allies from Kabul and support them in their new life. For his 
resolve throughout the

[[Page E1323]]

10-day gauntlet and his calm determination in the midst of chaos that 
ensured the safety of individuals thousands of miles away, I submit 
these words--may they stand as a tribute to his dedicated service when 
the moment called for it most.

                          ____________________