Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Kenneth William Cordier, who dedicated his life to serving his country and embodied the highest ideals of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice, including more than 6 years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. Born in 1937 in Canton, Ohio, Colonel Cordier entered the United States Air Force through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at Akron University in 1960, beginning a distinguished military career that spanned over two decades. After training as a Minuteman missile launch officer, Colonel Cordier earned his pilot's wings in 1963 and was assigned to the 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron, flying the F-4C Phantom jet fighter. On December 2, 1966, during his 176th combat mission, Colonel Cordier was shot down over North Vietnam. Captured and imprisoned for over 6 years, he endured harsh conditions in the infamous North Vietnamese prisons, in which he demonstrated extraordinary resilience and unwavering faith. After his release in 1973, Colonel Cordier resumed Active-Duty service with distinction, directing air operations at Sembach Air Base, reactivating the Wiesbaden Air Force Base, and serving as an air attache in England. Colonel Cordier's service to his Nation is dignified by numerous awards, including two Silver Stars, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars with Valor, the Purple Heart, seven Air Medals, the POW Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.…”