[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 127 (Friday, August 2, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E794-E795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING UNITED STATES ARMY VIETNAM WAR VETERAN JAMES RITCHIE'S 80TH 
                                BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2024

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
exceptional constituent from my district, James Ritchie. As a veteran 
and dedicated community service member, James has devoted his career to 
his country and community. Through military service and volunteer work, 
James has spent the past 59 years cultivating a life rich in purpose 
and spirit. His relentless care and advocacy for others does not go 
unnoticed, and therefore, I wish to commend him today.
  James Ritchie began his life of service on April 30, 1965, when he 
enlisted in the U.S. Army. With strong intentions to be part of the 
Army Security Agency, James embarked on a memorable military career. 
After completing Basic Training at Fort Dix, James went on to complete 
linguistic training at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, 
California for a year. He then began training as an Army Security 
Agency Analyst at Fort Devans, Massachusetts. Following his training he 
completed two years of duty, with one in Sinop, Turkey, and then 
another in 1968 with the 175th Radio Research Unit in Bien Hoa, 
Vietnam. Notably, James went on to achieve the rank of Specialist 5th 
class.
  After discharge from the Army, James opted to attend Temple 
University using the GI Bill. While at University, James took every 
opportunity to involve himself in his studies. He majored in accounting 
and became a CPA. Alongside his strong efforts to build his 
professional career, James never hesitated to dedicate his time to 
community service. He has honorably devoted his life in service to his 
community and advocacy for Veteran, POW/MIA, and Military issues. He 
has performed extensive volunteer work in various areas, primarily 
through the VFW, with which he has been a Life Member since 1995. James 
has held a host of roles, from Post Commander to District Inspector, 
with Post 6495 in Levittown and Pennsylvania District 8.
  Beyond local VFW roles, James has been amply involved at the State 
and National level, holding the role of Chief-of-Staff for the 
Department of Pennsylvania, and the role of Deputy Chief-of-Staff 
Nationally. This is in addition to a vast number of other titles James 
has held, in his long career of community and volunteer service. He is 
also a Life Member of four major veterans' organizations, including 
Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of the Vietnam War, American 
Legion, and the Military Order of the Cootie. In 2001, James was gifted 
the prestigious honor of being inducted into the Legion of Honor of the 
Chapel of Four Chaplains, reserved for outstanding individuals ``whose 
lives model the giving spirit and unconditional service to community, 
nation, and humanity''.
  I remain deeply grateful to James Ritchie for his life of service and 
sacrifice for our community, district, and country. His commitment to 
his fellow neighbors, veterans, and service members alike is a 
testament to his strong moral character. His dedication to improving 
the lives of so many around him is greatly

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commendable. I am more than honored to recognize him today and wish him 
nothing but the best for the future.

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