Mike Cloud: “Today I rise to honor George Hyak, a native of Victoria, Texas, who passed away on May 4, at the age of 104 years.…”

“Today I rise to honor George Hyak, a native of Victoria, Texas, who passed away on May 4, at the age of 104 years. George's 104 years marked a life well lived. He was a wonderful man whose life truly emulated the values of faith, family, and freedom that built the American miracle. Growing up in the family grocery store business, George learned early the value of hard work and the importance of family. These values guided him throughout his long life. When his country called, George answered the call without hesitation and served in some of the most significant battles of World War II, including D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Ardennes campaign. It is because of the bravery of men like George that we enjoy the freedoms we do today. After returning home from the war, George continued his journey and became an entrepreneur, where his work ethic and dedication helped him to grow a successful local business. He was always ready to give back to the community and even served as a volunteer firefighter, but it was at home where George truly thrived and where he built his beautiful family with his devoted wife of 75 years. He loved nothing more than spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. Quite the storyteller, those closest to him tell of him captivating family and friends with tales of those significant battle campaigns that he was in. Faith was the key central focus to George's life.…”