[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15960]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          IN MEMORY OF CADET FIRST CLASS MATTHEW JOHN PATRICK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 29, 2012

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today 
in memory of Air Force Academy Cadet First Class Matthew John Patrick. 
Matthew passed away on Friday, September 28, 2012.
  Born in Dallas, Texas, Matthew developed a love for flying at an 
early age and dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot. He joined the Civil 
Air Patrol where he earned the prestigious Billy Mitchell Award and 
experienced flying solo for the first time. After graduating from the 
School of Science and Engineering Magnet in 2009, Matthew entered the 
United States Air Force Academy where he excelled. He majored in 
aeronautical engineering and would have graduated in May 2013.
  I had the privilege of getting to know Matthew during the academy 
nomination process. Having won numerous math and science competitions, 
I already knew that Matthew was exceptionally bright. Aside from his 
academic achievement, I saw his passion when he spoke of his love for 
flying and of his desire to attend the Air Force Academy. I also 
noticed that Matthew possessed a quiet confidence, which told me a 
great deal about his character and leadership style. Indeed, I learned 
that Matthew was a loyal friend, an intelligent and hard working young 
man of great character, and the type of person who was always willing 
to lend a helping hand to others. He was unabashedly bold in pursuing 
his dream. Mr. Speaker, this is a great loss for the United States Air 
Force Academy and the State of Texas.
  Matthew is survived by his parents, Beverly and Matthew Patrick; his 
sister, Catherine Ann Patrick; grandparents, Cathy and Jack Robertson; 
and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
  There are no words that can fully express my sorrow. There is nothing 
I can offer but prayers to comfort the Patrick family in the midst of 
this difficult time. May the peace of God be with those he loved and 
sustain them through this hour of sorrow.

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