[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 172 (Friday, October 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E967]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING ROBERT ``BOB'' PARKER SOLOMON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. VICTORIA SPARTZ

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 17, 2025

  Mrs. SPARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. 
Robert ``Bob'' Parker Solomon, who passed away on November 26, 2024, at 
his home in Carmel, Indiana, at the age of 65. Born on December 22, 
1958, in Albany, New York, to the late Congressman Gerald B.H. Solomon 
and Freda Parker Solomon, Bob excelled academically and athletically at 
Glens Falls High School, becoming a standout football player and Hall 
of Fame wrestler.
  A lifelong sports enthusiast, Bob loved skiing, windsurfing, sailing, 
and cheering for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. He earned an 
Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Massachusetts-
Amherst and an MBA from Western New England University. Bob began his 
career at Northeast Utilities in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he 
worked for 14 years, before joining friends on a virtual reality video 
game project. He later moved to Indiana, starting a 23-year career at 
Hoosier Energy, rising to Compliance Manager of NERC and Power Markets.
  Sailing was Bob's greatest passion. As a longtime member and 
Commodore of the Indianapolis Sailing Club, he competed in open-water 
races, including 29 consecutive FIGAWI races from Hyannis to 
Nantucket--winning the event and earning the inaugural Howard K. Penn 
Spirit Award. He also tackled the grueling 636-mile Newport Bermuda 
Race.
  Deeply patriotic, Bob dedicated himself to supporting veterans. 
Through the Holidays for Heroes program, he hosted wounded veterans on 
his boats, proudly flying the American flag during races. He cofounded 
Operation Set Sail, helping veterans cope with Post-Traumatic Stress 
Disorder. Each year, Bob also spearheaded the September 11 boat parade 
on Geist to honor our heroes and remind us of the ultimate price of 
freedom. My daughters and I were honored to join him--sailing alongside 
Bob in that meaningful tradition and enjoying his many fun sailing 
stories.
  As we approach the first anniversary of his passing, we remember 
Bob's infectious smile, generous spirit, unwavering support for 
veterans, and zest for life. He left an indelible mark on everyone he 
met, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege 
of knowing him.

                          ____________________