[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 16744]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MAJOR PHYLLIS PELKY

  (Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Air Force Major Phyllis Pelky, who died earlier this month 
in a helicopter crash in Kabul, Afghanistan.
  As a Major in the Air Force, Phyllis Pelky served her nation with 
distinction as aide-de-camp to the superintendent of the Air Force 
Academy. Major Pelky had been deployed in support of Operation 
Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan, working as the deputy manpower chief 
of the American Train, Advise and Assist Command.
  As we take this moment to honor the service and patriotism of Major 
Pelky and recognize her sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice as a member 
of our armed services, we also thank her for her contributions in the 
classroom.
  Major Pelky was a beloved humanities teacher at the Rio Rancho High 
School. Her commitment to her students, combined with her enthusiasm, 
encouraged them to learn. She left a lasting impact on those who were 
fortunate to have her as a teacher. Her enduring spirit will live on 
through the many students she inspired.
  As we mourn the passing of Phyllis Pelky and celebrate her life, my 
thoughts and prayers are with her husband, her two sons, her family, 
and the Rio Rancho community during this sad time.

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