[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF RONNIE RASMUSSEN, U.S. ARMY STAFF SEARGENT 
                        AND FEDERAL AIR MARSHAL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 2025

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Staff Seargent Ronnie Rasmussen, a resident of 
St. Cloud, Florida, graduated from Osceola High School in 1983 and 
enlisted in the U.S. Navy, completing Aviation Machinist Mate training 
and serving at NAS Miramar and NAS Oceana. He reached the rank of Petty 
Officer Third Class before completing his service in 1987.
  In 2008, inspired by a conversation with a coworker, he joined the 
Army Reserve, training as a unit supply specialist and later as a cargo 
specialist. Over the years, he served in multiple roles, including 
Drill Sergeant Company Member, Military Police, and Operations NCO.
  In 2014, he deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan, supporting Operation 
Enduring Freedom. Rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant, he took on 
leadership roles in supply, security, and training. In 2023, he 
transferred to the 76th Expeditionary Terminal Operations Element for a 
final deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield. In 
March 2025, he will retire from the U.S. Army Reserve after nearly 23 
years of combined service.
  Parallel to his military career, Rasmussen had a distinguished law 
enforcement career. He worked as a police officer in St. Cloud, 
Florida, and as a detective with the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, 
investigating crimes against tourists. In 1998, he joined the State 
Fire Marshal's Office, investigating over 100 fires annually.
  Following the 9/11 attacks, he became a Federal Air Marshal in 2002, 
flying over five million miles and conducting international security 
operations. He also contributed to the VIPR program, enhancing security 
at transit locations nationwide.
  After 23 years as a Federal Air Marshal and nearly 40 years in law 
enforcement, Rasmussen will retire on March 28, 2025, to spend well-
earned time with his family, having sacrificed countless birthdays, 
anniversaries, and holidays in service of his country.