[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE SERVICE OF PATRICK KNIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM WALBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 13, 2026

  Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Patrick Knight of 
Hillsdale as the Veteran of the Month for July and honor him for his 
sacrifice and service on behalf of our great Nation.
  Patrick Knight served in the United States Navy as a Search and 
Rescue Helicopter Crewman from 1966 to 1970. During his time in active 
duty, Patrick served with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron One (HC-1) 
at NAS Imperial Beach in California and overseas with Helicopter Combat 
Support Squadron Seven (HC-7), the Navy's premier Combat Search and 
Rescue unit that is also known as the ``Sea Devils.'' While with HC-7, 
he assisted in rescuing pilots that had been shot down in Vietnam and 
the surrounding waters, helping his squadron to rescue approximately 
150 pilots.
  For his contributions to our Nation, Patrick was awarded the Navy 
Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, 
Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Combat 
Search and Rescue Air Wings. In 1971, the Sea Devils were awarded the 
Presidential Unit Citation by President Richard Nixon for their 
extraordinary heroism while performing rescue operations under adverse 
conditions.
  Following his time in the military, Patrick continued to serve 
others, spending 32 years as a member of the Riverview Police Force and 
recently retiring as Chief of Police. Patrick has also remained active 
in the local veteran community, joining the VFW Post 1136 in Wyandotte. 
Currently, he serves on the Board for the Emergency Telephone Services 
for Hillsdale County and the Board of the Hillsdale Senior Center.
  Patrick Knight's remarkable dedication to serving others and his 
leadership in our local communities inspire us all. May others know of 
my high regard for Patrick, as well as my deep gratitude for his 
lasting contributions to the country we love.

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