[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 89 (Wednesday, May 22, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H3405-H3406]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING GEORGE HYAK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Cloud) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor George Hyak, a native 
of Victoria, Texas, who passed away on May 4, at the age of 104 years.
  George's 104 years marked a life well lived. He was a wonderful man 
whose life truly emulated the values of faith, family, and freedom that 
built the American miracle.
  Growing up in the family grocery store business, George learned early 
the value of hard work and the importance of family. These values 
guided him throughout his long life.

[[Page H3406]]

  When his country called, George answered the call without hesitation 
and served in some of the most significant battles of World War II, 
including D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Ardennes campaign.
  It is because of the bravery of men like George that we enjoy the 
freedoms we do today.
  After returning home from the war, George continued his journey and 
became an entrepreneur, where his work ethic and dedication helped him 
to grow a successful local business.
  He was always ready to give back to the community and even served as 
a volunteer firefighter, but it was at home where George truly thrived 
and where he built his beautiful family with his devoted wife of 75 
years. He loved nothing more than spending time with his children, 
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren.
  Quite the storyteller, those closest to him tell of him captivating 
family and friends with tales of those significant battle campaigns 
that he was in.
  Faith was the key central focus to George's life. Oftentimes George's 
powerful voice could be heard singing hymns loudly in worship, praising 
the Lord with all his heart. This faith guided him, giving him strength 
and comfort his whole life.
  As we look back on George's life, we are reminded of the profound 
impact one person can have on a family, a community, and a nation. 
George's life is a testament to service, love, and faith, and he lived 
fully, loved deeply, and served honorably.
  As we honor him today, let's remember the legacy that he left and 
strive to live with the same courage, dedication, and love that he 
showed every day of his 104 years.


                      honoring officer kyle hicks

  Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Officer Kyle Hicks of 
the Corpus Christi Police Department who tragically died in the line of 
duty on April 24, 2024.
  Kyle was a dedicated husband, father, and public servant to all who 
knew him. He was known for his selflessness, steadfast integrity, and 
tireless commitment to his community.
  Kyle was 12 years old when he became a Texan. He graduated from Grace 
Preparatory Academy in Arlington, marking the start of a life devoted 
to public service and dedication to others.
  Family was central to Kyle's life. In his early years as an employee 
of Chick-fil-A, he met his future wife, Cassie, whom he married in 
Arlington, and they soon became proud parents of four.
  It didn't take long for Kyle and Cassie to pursue public service as a 
family. Even after being promoted to general manager at Chick-fil-A, 
Kyle decided to follow his dream to serve and protect his community, 
and in January of 2023, he graduated from the police academy to become 
an officer with the Corpus Christi Police Department.
  As an officer, Kyle Hicks was beloved by his colleagues. He was known 
for his quiet strength, his unique sense of humor, and his unwavering 
integrity.
  Throughout his career as a police officer, Kyle devoted himself 
entirely to the safety and well-being of our families and our 
community, serving to make Corpus Christi a better and safer place for 
everyone.
  As we grieve his loss, we take comfort in knowing that he lived a 
life of profound purpose. His sacrifice is a testament to the courage 
and dedication of our law enforcement officers, inspiring all of us to 
honor his memory through our commitment to service.
  John 15:13 says this: Greater love has no man than to lay down his 
life for his friends.
  It is humbling to think that we get to enjoy the blessings of liberty 
because of people like Kyle who have committed their life to service.
  May God bring comfort to his loved ones and grant them His peace 
which surpasses all understanding during this very difficult time. Our 
prayers are with them.

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