Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Commander David Wheat, a Vietnam veteran and former prisoner of war from Minnesota's Eighth Congressional District, who is about to celebrate his 80th birthday on December 16. David grew up in Duluth, Minnesota, and graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth before entering the Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School and earning the commission of an ensign. In April 1965, he received his naval flight officer wings and was deployed to Vietnam, flying in an F-4B Phantom as a radar intercept officer. In October 1965, David was shot down and captured by enemy forces. He spent the next 7 years and 4 months as a prisoner of war in various camps, including the infamous Hanoi Hilton. Despite the cruel torture and inhumane conditions David endured at the hands of his captors, they were never able to rob him of his resilient American spirit. Following his release from prison, David vowed that he would be happy for the rest of his life. David went on to continue a life of service, reporting to pilot training and earning his naval aviation wings in 1975. Throughout his career, David flew various types of aircraft and retired after 20 years of honorable service. David also got married and started a family of his own. In my hometown of Duluth, Minnesota, we are incredibly proud to have a hero like Commander David Wheat living amongst us.…”