[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 14, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H2007-H2008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM

  (Mr. Patronis of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, I wish a good morning to northwest Florida 
and rise to offer a special congratulations to the Northwest Florida 
State College women's basketball team.
  On April 1, 2025--actually the same day that I was sworn into 
office--the Lady Raiders took on Alabama's Shelton State Buccaneers, 
and took home their third national championship in 5 years, with a 
final score of 62-53. Their overall record this season was 32-3, which 
is amazing, with a conference record of 10-2, and a proud 13-0 record 
at home.
  It takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to make it to the top. 
Having a heart for the game and for your fellow teammates goes a very 
long way. I am very excited about the victory of this team and how they 
brought it home to northwest Florida.
  Congratulations to Coach Bart Walker and his coaching staff for all 
their hard work and leading the team to victory and instilling in them 
the heart of champions. I congratulate the Northwest Florida State 
College State championship basketball team on a job very well done. 
Their incredible win is inspiring. They have made their community and 
the State of Florida very, very proud. God bless. Go Raiders.


                 Remembering Captain Allen Colby Brady

  Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to represent more than 
75,000 veterans that I represent in my district in northwest Florida. 
Florida serves as one of the most veteran-friendly States in the entire 
country.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow today that I acknowledge the 
passing and honor the memory of one of those great heroes, Captain 
Allen Colby Brady of Pensacola and his outstanding service to the 
United States.
  Captain Brady lived as a resident of Pensacola off and on for nearly 
50 years, becoming a permanent resident in 1994 after marrying his 
wife, Dianne, in 1994. Born in 1929 into a naval family, Captain Brady 
committed to attend the Naval Academy and become a pilot at just 8 
years old. He fulfilled that vow after graduating from Annapolis in 
1951 and earned his wings in Pensacola 2 years later.
  He flew combat missions in Korea, survived nuclear weapons testing in 
the Pacific, participated in Cold War operations during the Taiwan 
Strait crisis, and then played a secret role in the Bay of Pigs 
invasion. He flew defense of freedom throughout the world.

  However, his most harrowing test came in January 1967, when he was 
shot down over North Korea. Allen was captured and spent more than 6 
years--that is 2,237 days--as a POW in the infamous Hanoi Hilton, 
enduring brutal torture, unimaginable conditions, and profound 
isolation. He never broke. He returned with honor.
  After his release in 1973, Allen didn't retire quietly. He returned 
to Active Duty, ultimately commanding a major Navy training wing. Upon 
retiring in 1979, after 32 years of service, he set sail, literally, 
cruising the Florida coast, living out the promise that he and his 
fellow POWs made to embrace life fully if they ever got home.
  However, Allen's service didn't stop there. In 1980, he made a 
daring, unauthorized voyage to Communist Cuba to rescue refugees during 
the Mariel boatlift, an act of moral courage that risked his freedom 
once again.
  In later years, Allen became a speaker, mentor, and educator. He 
published a book of POW stories for schools, and he made personal 
classroom appearances. He also authored a memoir, ``Witnessing the 
American Century,'' sharing insights from a life lived at the 
crossroads of world events.
  Even in his nineties, Allen embraced new adventures as he continued 
to inspire students and veterans alike. Captain Brady exemplified the 
values of patriotism, courage, and honor.
  In his words: ``We will always need people who are willing to serve 
their country . . . willing to give their lives defending her.'' Allen 
Brady was not just such a person, he embodied that call.
  God bless Captain Brady and his incredible life of service and 
sacrifice. Katie and I, all Floridians, and this Nation offer our 
thoughts and prayers to

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the Brady family as they celebrate his life. May he rest in peace.

                          ____________________