On the recordJuly 10, 2012
Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise today to honor the memory of Major Ryan S. David of Boone, North Carolina, who was a member of the North Carolina Air National Guard. On July 1, his Charlotte-based C-130 crew crashed in South Dakota while battling the State's White Draw fire. Major David was an experienced navigator who joined the National Guard in 2011 after completing Active Duty service in the U.S. Air Force. He is survived by his wife, Jenny, and his infant son, Rob. Along with Major David, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Mikeal of Mooresville, Major Joseph McCormick of Belmont, and Senior Master Sergeant Robert Cannon of Charlotte gave their lives in service to our country. There's no question of the bravery and commitment of these men, and we are very grateful to them. My heart goes out to the families of these heroes and their Air National Guard colleagues. May God grant them comfort in this time of loss, and may He bless the sacrifices of these fallen. ____________________
