[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 194 (Wednesday, December 14, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H9739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE SERVICE OF HERSCHEL RYAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Louisiana (Ms. Letlow) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Herschel Ryan, an 
incredible individual who is not just a close personal friend but a 
true American hero.
  My personal experiences with Herschel Ryan started when I was a small 
child, but the most poignant moment that I ever had with him was when 
he chaperoned on our church mission trip in the seventh grade. It was 
there that he took a few minutes and shared with me his personal 
experiences from the Vietnam war.
  Mr. Herschel was a talented pilot in the Army, achieving the rank of 
captain and recognition for his skills in flying helicopter missions.
  It was while he was supporting a combat operation on February 9, 
1968, that his flight encountered intense enemy fire, and he took a 
direct hit. His injuries were so severe that he would ultimately lose 
his left hand and eye, yet he still managed to direct his flight back 
to safety.
  For his gallantry and bravery, he was awarded the Silver Star, the 
Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Air 
Medal with 25 oak leaf clusters.
  Mr. Speaker, hearing Mr. Herschel's story was formational for me. It 
was the first time I had ever heard a personal perspective from a 
veteran. What a gift he gave to me that day.
  In this Chamber, we often talk about the need to honor our veterans 
and the desire to celebrate our heroes. When I think of those who 
served and sacrificed, I think of Herschel Ryan, a glowing example of 
some of the finest men and women this country has ever produced.
  He fought in a war that was unpopular and came home to a country that 
did not want to talk about heroism.

                             {time}  (1115)

  But in spite of all that and the personal challenges he faced; he 
never lost his joy. I cannot think of a more genuine, warm, and kind 
man. He has an infectious laugh and spreads happiness to everyone who 
is around him.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Herschel just turned 80 years old and has retired 
from a successful career in business. He now travels with his wife, 
Debbie, and volunteers his free time working with veterans who suffer 
from PTSD, wanting to continue to serve others.
  Mr. Speaker, today, here in the House of Representatives, we pause 
and pay tribute to a great man and true American hero, Mr. Herschel 
Ryan.

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