[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 78 (Monday, May 6, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF THOMAS W. KILLIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 6, 2024

  Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional life 
and the dedicated service of United States Navy veteran Thomas William 
Killian.
  Thomas was born on April 8, 1931, in Troy, New York where he was 
raised and attended school before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Thomas 
enlisted in the Navy in 1951, serving for twenty years during the 
Korean and Vietnam Wars. During his time in the Navy, he was trained as 
a shipfitter and served aboard the USS Baltimore (CA-68), a heavy 
cruiser; the USS Lowe (DE-325), an Edsall-class destroyer escort; the 
USS Sierra (AD-18), a Dixie-class destroyer tender; and the USS Jason 
(AR-8), a Vulcan-class repair ship. Thomas remained in the Navy until 
September of 1971, when he retired at the rank of First Class (E-6). 
For his service, Thomas was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the 
National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with two 
bronze stars.
  Thomas married his wife Patricia in October of 1952. Together, they 
shared 69 devoted years of marriage and had 4 children: Thomas, Beth, 
Colleen, and Patricia. After coming home from duty, Thomas returned to 
his wife and children in Troy. Utilizing the skills that he developed 
during his career with the Navy, he obtained a job as a fitter and 
welder at McKinney Steel Fabrications in Albany, New York where he 
worked for 22 years until his retirement in 1993.
  When Thomas was not working, he enjoyed spending time with his 
family. He had many hobbies including traveling, camping, surf fishing, 
and going on cruises. A beloved member of his community, he is 
remembered for his many professional and private accomplishments.
  On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to 
recognize Thomas Killian's extraordinary life of service, hard work, 
profound commitment, and devotion to the United States.

                          ____________________