[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 23, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H3566-H3567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1130
HONORING LANCE CORPORAL RYAN JAMES BARNARD
(Mr. Lawler of New York was recognized to address the House for 5
minutes.)
Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lance Corporal
Ryan James Barnard, of Valley Cottage, New York, who died on July 2
while serving our country at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Ryan was just 22 years old. He served in the United States Marine
Corps with the 3rd Littoral Combat Team, Ares Company. He was living
his dream, wearing the uniform with pride, and doing what he believed
in.
Ryan grew up in the Hudson Valley playing Little League baseball and
hockey, skating for Nyack High School, the Palisades Predators, and the
Army West Point Junior Black Knights. He was known for his quiet focus,
toughness, and strong sense of duty.
In the wake of Ryan's passing, his family and our community are
working to establish a youth hockey grant in his name, carrying forward
his spirit of discipline and teamwork for years to come.
I am grateful for Ryan's service to the United States, and I extend
my deepest condolences to the Barnard family.
Honoring Michael Halpin
Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Michael
Halpin of Pearl River, New York, who passed away on July 9 at the age
of 88.
Born in Kilrush, County Clare, Ireland, Mike immigrated to New York
in 1955 and proudly served in the United States Army, including a tour
of duty in Korea. After his military service, he continued to serve as
an NYPD officer in the 46th Precinct in the Bronx.
Like me, Mike was a proud Irish American. The very definition of a
pillar of the community, he served as president of the Rockland Irish-
American Cultural Center and the Rockland GAA. He was a member of the
AOH Division 3 and led the 2004 Rockland St. Patrick's Day parade as
grand marshal.
Mike was a devoted parishioner of St. Margaret's Church, a member of
the Hudson Valley 10-13 Club, and, above all, a proud husband, father,
and grandfather.
Mike Halpin lived a life of dutiful purpose and leadership with a
deep love for both his heritage and his community. He will be missed.
[[Page H3567]]
Recognizing John ``Jackie'' Sullivan
Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John ``Jackie''
Sullivan, a Navy veteran, FDNY EMS deputy chief, and longtime volunteer
firefighter in Spring Valley and Yorktown Heights.
Jack gave his entire adult life to serving others. He spent 12 years
as a Navy flight engineer, 31 years as a paramedic, rising to deputy
chief, and more than three decades answering fire calls as a volunteer.
On 9/11, he ran toward the towers. When they fell, he dove under a
truck to survive and then stayed at Ground Zero for a year, helping
recover the fallen with dignity and respect. That tells you everything
you need to know about the kind of man he was.
Jackie was also a union leader, a mentor to younger EMTs and
firefighters, and a relentless storyteller, who never missed a chance
to make someone laugh. He was the kind of guy you wanted by your side
in a crisis and around the dinner table once the storm had passed.
To his wife, Denise; his daughters, Katie and Maggie; and all who
loved him, our hearts are with you. May his memory always be a
blessing.
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