[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 68 (Thursday, April 18, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H2510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING LANCE CORPORAL GARY KOONTZ

  (Mr. BURCHETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Lance Corporal Gary 
Koontz.
  Gary enlisted in the Marines on October 26, 1967, and attended basic 
training at Parris Island, South Carolina. After basic training, Gary 
was shipped to Vietnam, where he drove a truck that carried supplies. 
After a short time, he was transferred and was then a door gunner with 
the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
  His unit played a crucial role in Operation Dewey Canyon, and their 
legacy remains tied to the challenges and triumphs of the Vietnam war.
  During his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service 
Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, the Vietnam Service 
Medal with device, the Combat Aircrew Insignia, the Good Conduct Medal, 
and the Air Medal Award with strike/flight 4.
  When Corporal Koontz returned home, he was transferred to the Marine 
Reserve to complete his obligation.
  Once returning to Knoxville, he became a super successful Realtor and 
developer, and he is an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of 
America.
  He recently worked with the VA and a local assisted living facility 
to help a veteran get transferred closer to his wife. He is always 
calling me about veterans and the problems they are having, and he is 
trying to work to resolve them.
  It is my honor to recognize Corporal Koontz as the Tennessee Second 
District's April 2024 Veteran of the Month. He is an incredibly good 
friend, and dadgum, he is just a great American.

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