[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 101 (Thursday, June 12, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E570-E571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING AVA MOORE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETH VAN DUYNE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2025

  Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor 
a tremendous young woman from the Texas 24th Congressional District, 
Ava Moore.
  Ava was an exceptional individual. She was a leader, a patriot, and a 
bright light in our North Texas community. From the first time we 
reviewed her application to the U.S. Air Force Academy, it was clear 
she was destined for greatness. Her academic excellence, leadership, 
and dedication to serving our nation stood out. That's why I nominated 
her not once, but twice to the Air Force Academy. The Academy itself 
recognized her potential and asked her to attend the U.S. Air Force 
Preparatory School.
  Ava successfully completed that program this May, and she was home 
for just a short break before heading off to basic training and 
beginning her next chapter at the Air Force Academy. Our staff had 
spoken with her about her abbreviated summer break and could hear in 
her voice how excited she was to start a career in service to her 
beloved country.
  While kayaking with friends on Grapevine Lake, Ava's life was taken 
in a senseless, preventable tragedy. Our entire office is heartbroken 
about her loss and grieved for Ava's

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family, friends, coaches, and teammates. I am grateful local and 
federal law enforcement took swift action to apprehend those 
responsible, as that was the bare minimum we owe to Ava and to every 
American family trying to raise children in peace and safety.
  I had the privilege of speaking with Ava's father, a man of great 
faith, kindness, and forgiveness. Even in the face of unimaginable 
loss, he told me he was remaining hopeful and positive, because, in his 
words, ``that's how Ava would have wanted it.'' That tells you 
everything you need to know about the kind of young woman Ava was, and 
the family who raised her.
  They chose to honor her life not with sorrow, but with a coming home 
memorial, a celebration of how she stood as an incredible example for 
all those around her. This past week, Ava was laid to rest with full 
military honors, as family and friends gathered to celebrate her grace, 
dignity, character, and strength.
  Our Nation is at a loss with Ava's passing. She was leading a life of 
service as a young woman whose dream was to protect and defend the very 
freedoms we enjoy in this country today. She was taken far too soon.
  May we honor Ava by remembering the incredible young woman that she 
was and may God bring peace to her family knowing that though her time 
on earth was cut short, her legacy and her example will last with all 
of us. We ask the Lord to bless and receive His servant, Ava Moore. She 
has come home.

                          ____________________