[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5696]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING LIEUTENANT COLONEL RAY SCHAAF

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 28, 2015

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant 
Colonel Ray Schaaf, U.S. Army, Retired of Round Rock, Texas as he 
celebrates his 90th birthday on April 24, 2015. Even with nearly a 
century of living behind him, he remains a vibrant part of his growing 
central Texas community.
  Born in Colorado, LTC Schaaf entered the Army in June 1943. After 
rigorous training, he arrived in England the following year where he 
bravely flew combat missions with the 381st Bomb Wing over Europe. His 
post-war military career saw this brave aviator serve in Korea, China, 
Greenland, and numerous bases in the U.S. LTC Schaaf retired in 1970 
and made his home in the Lone Star State.
  Following his retirement, the warrior became an artist. A skilled 
handyman, LTC Schaaf makes jewelry and restores saddles. He's an avid 
painter and is especially adept in the centuries-old craft of knife 
making. This determination to live life to its fullest is a reminder to 
us all to make the most of every day.
  Family remains at the center of his life. LTC Schaaf married his 
beloved Marge. They brought four children into the world and were 
united through feast and famine. Now a proud grandfather of nine, 
great-grandfather of fourteen, and great-great-grandfather of one, he 
has the pleasure of watching his beautiful family grow and prosper.
  All should marvel at the extraordinary times LTC Schaaf has 
witnessed. In his nine decades of living, he defended freedom on 
foreign shores, watched a humble midwesterner take mankind's first 
steps on another world, and marveled at technological advances beyond 
any of his dreams. He saw how America has been defined by extraordinary 
men and women who fought for a country brave enough to confront its 
past imperfections and hopeful enough to embrace a better tomorrow
  LTC Ray Schaaf's patriotism, citizenship, and commitment to service 
reflect the very best values of both the Greatest Generation and 
Central Texas. Let April 24 continue to be a celebration of one of our 
nation's heroes who devoted his life to keeping us free and making 
America a beacon of hope in the world. Along with his friends, family, 
and loved ones, I wish him both a happy 90th birthday and all the best 
in the years ahead.

                          ____________________