Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation to rename the Liberty, Pennsylvania, post office after Staff Sergeant Ryan Scott Ostrom. Ryan was born on September 23, 1979, in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, where he attended Liberty High School. While in high school, Ryan excelled in soccer, basketball, and baseball--serving as the captain for the soccer and basketball teams. After graduating from high school, he attended Mansfield University and pursued a degree in education science. Ryan planned to become a teacher and a coach to help young people become successful students, athletes, and leaders within the community. However, just months before Ryan was set to graduate from college, his National Guard unit was deployed to Iraq. While serving his country in Iraq, Ryan made the ultimate sacrifice, as he was killed in action on August 9, 2005. Ryan enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 1997, serving with Company B, First Battalion 109th in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Ryan was an accomplished soldier with a bevy of previous accomplishments and commendations. During his time enlisted, Ryan earned a Purple Heart, Combat Information Badge, Gold Star, Armed Service Ribbon, and numerous other awards that gave Ryan the recognition he deserved for his heroic years of service. Beyond these awards, Ryan also took advantage of what the military had to offer, graduating from the U.S.…”