[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 18 (Wednesday, January 31, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF BEHJAT McELROY

  (Mr. FALLON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
one minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the wonderful life of 
Behjat McElroy.
  Behjat spent her first 22 years in Iran, one of five children. She 
learned four languages, completed her education, and became a teacher. 
At 22, she married Massoud Moayedi, and they had their beloved son, 
Mehrdad.
  Behjat spent many years as a diplomat, and it was in this role where 
she met her future husband, Jim McElroy, a dedicated U.S. Air Force 
helicopter pilot who served two terms in Vietnam.
  In 1978, Behjat made the courageous decision to leave the Iranian 
Foreign Ministry and move to the United States. She became an American 
citizen; raised her son, Mehrdad; and founded several highly successful 
and thriving businesses.
  She was a woman ahead of her time and was a fiercely proud and 
independent person. Behjat loved her family immensely, especially her 
pride and joy, her two granddaughters, Lilly and Sarah.
  The most important job any of us could ever have is that of a parent, 
and Behjat succeeded in this capacity wildly.

  I know her son, Mehrdad, and he is a fantastic reflection of his 
mother. He is a faithful friend, a loving and devoted father, and a 
great American.
  Behjat's passing is a deep loss for all of us, and she will be sorely 
missed.
  On behalf of a grateful Nation, rest in peace, Behjat.

                          ____________________