[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 145 (Wednesday, September 18, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E918]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING MAJOR RAYMOND ROBERTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 18, 2024

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
life of Major Raymond Roberts of Denton, Texas, who passed away on 
August 29, 2024. With his celebration of life ceremony being held this 
week, I would like to share about his tremendous life of service to his 
country and our great state of Texas.
  Since he could first walk, Ray always wanted to be a pilot, which 
prompted him to join the U.S. military at the young age of 14. 
Initially joining the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and then transitioning 
to the Army Air Corps, Ray spent 22 years serving in our Nation's 
military.
  Ray's storied military career included assignments as an airman, 
mechanic, and flight engineer during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the 
Vietnam War. In 1948, Ray was also one of the few pilots to fly nonstop 
as part of the greatest humanitarian airlift in history to carry 
supplies to the encircled people of West Berlin. Despite the great 
risks and challenges that came with supplying the necessities of food 
and fuel for thousands of people, he remained dedicated and committed 
to providing the resources necessary to sustain the men, women, and 
children in dire need on the ground. Ray played a pivotal role in 
history and the success of our military.
  After leaving military service, Ray did not stop serving his 
community. Developing a career as an entrepreneur, corporate manager, 
car salesman, aviation administrator, and private pilot, he ensured our 
state continued to grow economically. Ray loved his country and 
numerous times put his life on the line for the future generations of 
Americans. I am glad to call him a constituent of mine and was honored 
to nominate his son, Brandon, for the Air Force Academy back in 2012 
and see him successfully follow his father in service to his country.
  May his extraordinary life be remembered by many in the 26th District 
of Texas and across the United States. Sending my prayers and love to 
his family and friends, as they celebrate his life.

                          ____________________