[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H3676-H3677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1030
                         HONORING JACK HOLSCLAW

  (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House 
for 5 minutes.)
  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Memorial Day, I rise to 
recognize a true gentleman who lived a life of honor and service to the 
Nation and the community of Spokane, Mr. Jack Daniels Holsclaw.
  Mr. Holsclaw was born in Spokane and, from a young age, demonstrated 
excellence. As a 15-year-old, he was the first African American to 
achieve the rank of Eagle Scout in Spokane. Attending North Central 
High School, he excelled academically in sports and later attended both 
Whitworth College and Washington State University, where he played 
baseball for famed coach Arthur ``Buck'' Bailey.
  On October 5, 1942, Jack enlisted in the Army as a private and later 
entered flight school. He trained at the Tuskegee Army Airfield in 
Alabama and received his wings and commission in the Army Air Corps in 
1943.
  In December 1943, his squadron was shipped overseas to Italy, where 
he became part of the famed 332nd Fighter Group. The aircraft of the 
332nd had distinctive red tails to differentiate them from other P-51 
outfits, leading to the nickname ``Red Tails.''
  Lieutenant Holsclaw fought his most memorable aerial battle on July 
18, 1944. That day, all four squadrons of the 332nd Fighter Group, each 
composed of 16 P-51s, were providing protection for B-17 bombing runs 
on German targets. The group leader was forced to return to base due to 
engine problems. Lieutenant Holsclaw, without being ordered, took over 
command.
  A German fighter force of nearly 300 ME-109s attacked the bomber 
formation. Three squadrons stayed with the bombers while Lieutenant 
Holsclaw, as flight leader of the day, took part in a mission. They 
were able to pursue in certain circumstances in the battle. Eleven 
German planes were shot down. Lieutenant Holsclaw shot down two ME-
109s. The effective 332nd Fighter Group reaction allowed the bombers to 
hit their targets with no losses.
  For his actions of taking the lead on July 18, 1944, and downing two 
enemy aircraft, Jack Holsclaw was awarded the Distinguished Flying 
Cross. By December 1944, he had completed 68 combat missions.
  Captain Holsclaw returned to the United States in June 1945 and 
continued on with service in what became the United States Air Force. 
He would rise to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
  On December 31, 1964, Lieutenant Holsclaw retired and received the 
Distinguished Service Medal for his accomplishments. Jack and his wife, 
Bernice, ultimately returned to Spokane, where he completed a second 
career in banking in 1983.
  Mr. Speaker, it is exemplary men like Lieutenant Colonel Jack 
Holsclaw who built the Air Force of today. Our Nation owes him and men 
like him a debt of gratitude. I would say, as a father of children who 
attend North Central High School, I hope that they one day grow up to 
be citizens like Lieutenant Holsclaw.


                          Honoring Phil Kowzan

  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the remarkable 
service of Phil Kowzan, an 88-year-old Spokane resident who spent 25 
years honoring our veterans with the solemn sound of taps.
  For 3,335 funerals at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, Mr. 
Kowzan stood in all weather to ensure every servicemember received a 
live, personal tribute. He began this mission in 2001 when he refused 
to let a friend's funeral rely on a recording, choosing instead to play 
taps himself.
  In March, Mr. Kowzan performed the melody for the final time, closing 
a quarter century of quiet, steadfast service. Though his bugle will 
now fall silent, the dignity he brought to each farewell will endure.
  Mr. Speaker, join me in honoring Phil Kowzan for his devotion, 
humility, and unwavering respect for those who served our Nation.


                    Recognizing Spokane Pool Heroes

  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary heroism displayed by a group of individuals from Spokane, 
including four remarkable teenagers whose quick thinking and selfless 
action saved a man's life on April 18.
  While swimming at the Mirabeau Park Hotel pool in Spokane Valley, Ben 
Wagele, Weston Collins, and siblings Rae and Ethan Overby noticed a man 
unconscious in the water and immediately sprang into action. Together, 
they pulled him to safety. Rae Overby began prompt administration of 
chest compressions.

[[Page H3677]]

  They were soon joined by hotel employees Tammy Hall and Donoven Bond, 
who assisted in performing CPR until first responders arrived on the 
scene.
  According to the paramedic captain who responded, the patient likely 
would not have survived were it not for the group's awareness, 
immediate response, and remarkable teamwork under pressure.

  In recognition of their lifesaving efforts, these six individuals 
were honored by the Spokane Fire Commissioners. I am proud to recognize 
them for their courage and commend each for their exemplary actions 
here on the floor of Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day, I also encourage families 
across the country to celebrate safely. May this inspiring story serve 
as a reminder of the profound difference ordinary people can make.

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