[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H107-H108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERT L. KNIPRATH

  (Mr. Haridopolos of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
service of Robert Kniprath who was proudly recognized as October's 
Brevard County Veteran of the Month.
  Mr. Kniprath answered our Nation's call during World War II, serving 
in the United States Navy in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. As 
a petty officer second class, he carried out vital responsibilities 
supporting critical naval operations that contributed to Allied success 
in the Southwest Pacific. His service earned him multiple 
commendations, including the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the 
Philippine Liberation Medal, and the European-African-Middle Eastern 
Campaign Medal.
  After his military service, Mr. Kniprath built a life rooted in 
family, hard work, and community in Brevard County. He was known as a 
devoted father, husband, and grandfather, and as a man who deeply 
believed in civic duty, the importance of voting to safeguard our 
Republic and our democratic values.
  Mr. Speaker, Brevard County and our Nation are stronger because of 
patriots like Robert Kniprath.


                     Recognizing Debby Ellen Moone

  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
extraordinary Floridian and patriot, Debby Ellen Moone. She was named 
Brevard County's November Veteran of the Month.
  Captain Moone dedicated 32 years of her life to serving our Nation in 
uniform, answering the call in both the United States Air Force and the 
United States Army. After serving 22 years in the United States Air 
Force and rising

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to the rank of senior master sergeant, she continued her service by 
becoming a commissioned Army officer, ultimately retiring as a captain 
in the Medical Service Corps.
  Throughout her distinguished career, Captain Moone deployed in 
Operation Desert Storm, served overseas in Korea, and led soldiers as a 
medical company commander. Her service has been recognized with 
numerous honors, including: the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint 
Service Commendation Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service 
Medal, among many others.
  Mr. Speaker, Captain Moone represents the very best of the Space 
Coast: selfless, resilient, and devoted to something greater than 
herself. Our Nation is stronger because of her service, and Brevard 
County is proud to call her one of our own.


                 Honoring Luis Francisco Ramos Ramirez

  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Luis Francisco 
Ramos Ramirez who has been selected as January's Brevard County Veteran 
of the Month.
  Mr. Ramos Ramirez proudly served our Nation in the United States 
Army, answering the call of duty during a critical moment in our 
history. He served in Vietnam where he conducted reconnaissance 
missions, some of the most dangerous and demanding assignments in 
combat. He served honorably, even volunteered to remain in Vietnam for 
additional time, demonstrating his extraordinary courage and 
selflessness.
  For his service, Mr. Ramos Ramirez earned the National Defense 
Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, Two Bronze Service Stars, and 
the Vietnam Campaign Medal, decorations that reflect both his valor and 
his sacrifice.
  Like so many of our veterans, his legacy extends beyond the uniform. 
His commitment to protecting our freedoms remind us that the liberties 
we enjoy today were secured by Americans willing to put country before 
self.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Florida's Space Coast and a grateful 
Nation, I thank Luis Francisco Ramos Ramirez for his service, his 
sacrifice, and his example of leadership.

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