[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 67 (Thursday, April 16, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





    HONORING AVERY WISE FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EUGENE SIMON VINDMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 16, 2026

  Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Avery Wise, a 
fearless 17-year-old leader from Woodbridge, Virginia, who has already 
committed his life to serving others.
  At just 17 years old, EMT Wise volunteers weekly with the Occoquan-
Woodbridge-Lorton (OWL) Volunteer Fire Department, where he responds to 
911 emergency calls, provides medical assistance to patients, and 
administers appropriate medical treatments.
  Last year, his passion for service was put to the test in a profound 
and life-changing way. While in class learning about air management, 
EMT Wise was dispatched to an emergency involving a 73-year-old woman 
who had stopped breathing. Without a doubt, he went into action, 
performing an intubation procedure and attaching a ventilation device 
to restore her breathing. After successfully stabilizing the patient, 
he remained by her side during transport, carefully making sure her 
chest continued to rise adequately. Thanks to his quick actions and 
composure under pressure, the patient was released from the hospital in 
good health.
  This experience did not deter him, instead it strengthened his 
commitment to public service and deepened his understanding of what it 
truly means to serve, no matter how big or small the call could be.
  EMT Wise's dedication to serving his community doesn't stop when he 
is off the clock. He has been a member of the Trail Life USA scouting 
program for over 11 years, serving in multiple leadership roles, 
including First Officer and High School Chaplain, taking on the 
responsibility of assisting the Troop Master in troop management and 
communicating with the Committee Chair to discuss ways to improve the 
organization.
  In addition, EMT Wise is an extraordinary varsity basketball player 
with the Northern Virginia Homeschool Athletic Association. He also 
earned the Passion for Public Service Scholarship from the National 
Society of High School Scholars.
  In want to personally thank EMT Wise for his dedication to serving 
his community, and I wish him continued success as he works toward 
becoming a crew leader within his EMT team. Mr. Speaker. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing EMT Wise for his courage.

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