Brad Wenstrup: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it is with both sadness and pride that I rise to honor Damon Nelson.…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it is with both sadness and pride that I rise to honor Damon Nelson. America lost a great patriot at too young of an age. Damon dedicated nearly his entire life to public service and always put service above self. He understood that freedom comes at a high price, and he dedicated his life to defending freedom for the next generation. He believed that our country is worth sacrificing for and that freedom is worth fighting for. As Mr. Holding said, he served in the U.S. Air Force as an in-flight refueling specialist and was a veteran of the Persian Gulf War where he earned the Air Medal and three Air Achievement Medals. Damon began his service on Capitol Hill working for his home district, the 22nd District of California. I know Damon for his exemplary service as the staff director for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Damon helped guide our committee and indeed our country through a tumultuous time with an unfailing commitment to seeking the truth and doing the right thing. His calm leadership approach is an example to all of us. At moments where it seems like things may be falling apart, Damon was there with a joke and a laugh to hold the group together. He often used sarcasm with us when we needed it most, and he was a statesman when we needed it most. His kind and patient demeanor earned Damon the respect of everyone he knew.…”