Richard McCormick

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Harry Knight.

Harry is approaching his 100th birthday, and I would like to commend him for his longstanding commitment and dedication to the United States. Harry served in the Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean War, leaving a distinguished legacy of courage and patriotism. During his service in the Korean War, Harry fought in one of the deadliest and most decisive engagements of the conflict, the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. The battle marked an important turning point for the U.S. in the war, with the U.S. 1st Marine Division surviving an encirclement by 120,000 Chinese soldiers. The efforts of the UN troops, including Harry, ultimately weakened Chinese forces and prevented a swift Communist takeover, securing a stalemate between the U.S. and opposition forces. Harry's personal sacrifice and courage during that battle resulted in him receiving two Purple Hearts for the injuries he sustained. Consequently, Harry's enduring dedication to his country is characterized by unwavering loyalty and selfless devotion.

It is my pleasure to honor Harry, allowing him to experience the gratitude of those he has protected throughout his service. Harry's heroic career in the U.S. Marine Corps deserves to be recognized, and his ability to maintain his sharp mind and humble character at the age of 99 is a testament to his resilience, integrity, and lifelong commitment to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Michael ``Phoenix'' Cortez.

Michael's childhood during the Great Depression instilled him with humility and determination, eager to explore the world and take on life's challenges. Michael served in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps as a bilingual service member, then he went on to be a reservist in the U.S. Air Force. After the conclusion of Michael's active service, he demonstrated his lasting commitment to the public sector through his work as a civilian employee in the Department of Defense. Over the course of his career, Michael participated in highly classified missions and collaborated on advanced aircraft systems. He was able to travel the globe, broadening his horizons across several cultures and lifestyles and engaging in top secret defense programs. Michael's enduring dedication to his country was characterized by unwavering loyalty and selfless devotion.

My prayers are with the Cortez family as they go through this difficult time. In addition to being an incredible man, Michael was a loving husband to his wife, Sharon, and a devoted father to his five children, Michael, Michele, Sherry, Marnie, and Blayne. He is also survived by four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Service requires sacrifice, and military families pay that price in the time we spend away from our families, while defending our great Nation.

May God watch over Michael, Michele, Sherry, Marnie, and Blayne, and Sharon, who stood by Michael throughout his career.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize a remarkable American, a distinguished physician, and a personal mentor: Dr. David Satcher.

Dr. Satcher made history as the first Black Surgeon General of the United States, dedicating his life to improving the health and well- being of all Americans. His leadership in public health, medical education, and healthcare access has left an enduring mark on our entire Nation.

I had the privilege of learning from Dr. Satcher at Morehouse School of Medicine, an institution founded to expand opportunities in medicine for underserved communities and to train the next generation of healthcare leaders.

As a student, I witnessed firsthand his commitment to excellence, compassion, and service. He inspired countless physicians, including myself, to see medicine not just as a profession but as a calling.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring his extraordinary legacy and offering our prayers and our best wishes to him and his entire family.

The impact of Dr. David Satcher's life will be felt for generations to come. I am grateful for the example he set for me, for the medical community, and for our entire country.