[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 188 (Tuesday, November 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1098-E1099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION FOR MAJOR JOHN McDERMOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 14, 2023

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major John 
McDermott of Rockwall, Texas, and award him a Congressional Veteran 
Commendation. Major McDermott honorably served in the United States 
Marine Corps during the Cold War and the Global War on Terrorism.
  Major McDermott was born in a military household, and his family's 
history of service dates back to the First World War. From a young age, 
he had a strong passion for aviation and military history. In 1986, 
Major McDermott enlisted in the Marine Corps and commissioned as an 
officer four years later. He served as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer 
and Plane Captain of an F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft. Major McDermott 
was responsible for flight safety protocols, aircraft readiness, and 
maintenance of numerous other aircraft such as the Harrier jump jet and 
KC-130 Hercules. His duties not only took him around the continental 
U.S., but also to Australia, Japan, and South Korea. During the Cold 
War, relations with the Soviet Union were highly contentious. Skilled 
officers like Major McDermott were tasked with supplying Hornets so 
they may patrol the skies over the Sea of Japan to counter Soviet and 
North Korean aggression in the region. For his service, he was awarded 
the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation 
Medal among many others.
  After his retirement from the Marine Corps in 2009, Major McDermott 
continued to make an impact on the community by working with the Civil 
Air Patrol. Additionally, he is a lifetime member of the CW02 Randolph 
Marine Corps League Detachment, whose members volunteer in community 
service programs throughout Rockwall County. Major McDermott's lifelong 
knowledge of aerospace and defense issues has allowed him to continue 
his career with L3Harris in Greenville, Texas. Even in civilian 
service, he is steadfast in his commitment to safeguard our Nation. 
Major McDermott is married to his wife Karen, and they have three sons, 
two of whom are current cadets at the United States Military Academy in 
West Point, New York.
  I am honored to represent Major McDermott in Texas' 4th Congressional 
District. It is a privilege to award him the Congressional Veteran 
Commendation for his service to our Nation and to the people of North 
Texas.

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