[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 208 (Wednesday, December 10, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H5119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING ZACH SCHEIMAN

  (Mr. Mann of Kansas was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, Zach Scheiman was a true patriot. Born and 
raised in Garden City, Kansas, Zach was a deep lover of freedom who 
embodied courage and service over self. Zach lived by these principles, 
and they guided him through his lifetime.
  Tragically, Zach passed away doing what he loved most, serving 
others. He gave up his life while fighting alongside the Ukrainian 
Special Forces, defending the principles he so greatly believed in.
  As a young boy, Zach fell in love with aviation. He could often be 
found helping with events at the Garden City Regional Airport or 
excitedly watching his father, Mike, in the air traffic control tower. 
Those countless hours at the airport made a lasting impact on him, and 
as a young adult, Zach answered the call to serving in the United 
States Air Force.
  Throughout his Air Force career, Zach served at Altus Air Force Base 
in Oklahoma, Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, and completed 
international stints in Iraq and Qatar. Zach also served with the Royal 
Air Force in Mildenhall in the United Kingdom.
  For the last 11 years, Zach served in his hometown once more as an 
air traffic controller at the same place where his love for aviation 
began, the Garden City Regional Airport.
  Zach did not keep that love of aviation to himself. He couldn't. He 
found joy in sharing that passion for aviation with student groups who 
visited the air traffic control tower, as well as with visitors and 
student pilots learning the field that he loved so much.
  Zach poured into Garden City's youth by serving on the local arts 
boards in Garden City and actively participating in community career 
fairs. He left his community better than he found it, creating gains 
for students and helping organize local festivals, recitals, and shows.
  Zach was a man of honor, and Audrey and I are deeply grateful for his 
service to our Nation and our community. We pray for his loved ones and 
the Garden City community as they come to terms with his untimely 
passing. May his soul rest in peace.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Zach for his duty and service.


                      Celebrating Kansas Football

  Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize four remarkable 
high school football programs in the Big First District that brought 
home State championships this season.
  In Kansas, high school football is more than a sport. It teaches 
discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of community. 
More importantly, it connects us all through a common good while making 
memories that will last a lifetime.
  As a kid from western Kansas, I grew up listening to K-State football 
on the radio. Like so many young people across our State, those 
Saturday broadcasts shaped my love of the game. I later had the 
privilege of playing on a State championship team myself at Quinter 
High School, and I remember the feeling of being part of something 
bigger than myself. That is what these young men experienced this 
season.
  This year, four schools from the Big First reached the top of their 
divisions.
  In 6A, Manhattan High School claimed the title with a decisive 27-0 
win over Olathe Northwest. Their players, coaches, and staff worked 
hard all season to earn an achievement that will be remembered in the 
Manhattan community forever.
  In 5A, my hometown of Salina is celebrating a very special moment. 
The Salina Central Mustangs brought home the State championship with a 
51-34 victory over Basehor-Linwood. For the students, families, and 
alumni who have longed for another State championship for the last 20 
years, I congratulate them on bringing their title home. They all 
deserve it, and we are all so proud.
  In the 1A Division, Sterling football defeated Rossville 35-34 in one 
of the closest and most competitive games of the season. Games like 
this reflect the best of high school athletics: determination, 
sportsmanship, and communities rallying behind their teams.
  In an eight-man Division II, Hanover earned a 28-20 victory over 
Victoria to secure another championship for their school. Eight-man 
football has deep roots in rural Kansas, and Hanover's success 
highlights the strength of programs that represent some of our smallest 
but proudest communities.
  Mr. Speaker, four State championships in 1 year from schools in the 
Big First District is quite an accomplishment. I would be remiss if I 
didn't acknowledge the strong communities, dedicated coaches, 
supportive families, and student-athletes who put the work in day after 
day to bring these championships home.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these 
young men, their schools, and their hometowns. They have represented 
Kansas with pride, and they have very bright futures ahead.

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