Victoria Spartz

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Barry E. Boyer, a remarkable Navy and Vietnam War veteran and long-time resident of Marion, Indiana. His life is defined by his patriotism and service to both our community and nation.

At just nineteen years old, Mr. Boyer enlisted in the United States Navy on July 5th of 1966. His service took him to the Great Lakes Naval Station where he completed nine weeks of basic training. Mr. Boyer was then assigned to the USS Pickaway (APA 222) and began his four-year tour of duty around Southeast Asia.

Following his promotion to Second Class Petty Officer, Mr. Boyer received orders to serve as a replacement for one of the twenty-five US Navy personnel that heroically lost their lives aboard the USS Westchester County (LST-1167). The ship was anchored in the Saigon River Basin in Vietnam, when Viet Cong frogman placed deadly mines on the ship's hull. The explosions marked the single greatest loss of Navy personnel during the Vietnam War.

Mr. Boyer spent his final sixteen months on two tours of duty in and out of enemy waters in South Vietnam. He served with the US Navy until March 13th of 1970, carrying the memory and honor of those that sacrificed their lives. Following his honorable discharge, Mr. Boyer returned to Marion, Indiana. He went on to serve at the United States Postal Service, continuing his passion for public service.

It was in Marion that Mr. Boyer met Reta Painter Boyer of Fairmount, Indiana, and married her. Together, they have raised two daughters, Jennifer and Janelle, and built their family based on the ideals of both faith and service. Mr. Boyer retired from the United States Post Office in 2003, after years of dedicated service. As described by his loved ones, Mr. Boyer has continued to be a patriot and humble servant of the Lord.

On behalf of Indiana's 5th District, I commend Mr. Boyer for his courage and commitment to others. His contributions reflect true American patriotism.

Madam Chair, had I been present, I would have voted AYE on Roll Call No. 275.

Amendment No. 316 Offered by Mr. Grothman

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Peter Bauer Dunbar, a dedicated American, accomplished aviator, and distinguished veteran whose extraordinary service and devotion to family reflect the finest traditions of our Nation.

Born on January 29, 1936, at Epworth Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana, to Irma and Willard Parker Dunbar, Sr., Mr. Dunbar spent his early years on the family farm near Crawfordsville, where he and his brothers, Willard and Samuel, worked daily caring for livestock and supporting the operations that sustained the family during and after the Great Depression.

After graduating from Crawfordsville High School in 1954, he earned a Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps scholarship to Harvard College, where he excelled academically and in leadership. He ultimately served as Battalion Commander of the Harvard NROTC unit. His summers included active-duty assignments aboard the USS Albany, USS Purdy, and at training sites in Virginia and Texas.

Mr. Dunbar graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering and Applied Physics and immediately entered night training, where he further distinguished himself through rigorous instruction at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola and NAS Corpus Christi. In 1960, he was assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ-1) in Japan. He served four years in highly classified operations as a pilot and navigator of the Airborne Radar Surveillance and Intelligence Plane (EC-121M), conducting missions across Asia and the Western Pacific, including involvement in Operation Dominic. His leadership culminated in his role as an Electronic Warfare Aircraft Commander.

After transferring to the Naval Reserve in 1964, Mr. Dunbar pursued graduate studies at Purdue University, where he earned his Master of Science in Industrial Administration as a Krannert Scholar. He continued to fly for the Navy Reserve, piloting the Douglas C-54 and C- 118 aircrafts at Naval Air Station Glenview and Alameda, demonstrating ongoing commitment to military readiness and service.

On October 4, 1965, he began a new chapter as a pilot and navigator for Pan American World Airways, flying the Boeing 707 and teaching navigation to new aviators. Throughout the Vietnam War, he completed more than 400 transits into Vietnam, transporting troops, equipment, mail, and supplies. He later qualified on the Boeing 747, quickly rising to the position of Training Captain.

On February 7, 1966, Mr. Dunbar married Tomoko Furukawa at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. This marked the beginning of a life of partnership that brought them one daughter, Cynthia. The family later settled in Carmel, Indiana, after many years in California. In 1986, following the transfer of Pan Am's Pacific operations to United Airlines, he continued flying for another decade, mastering the 727, 757, 767, and serving for several years as a 747 Captain.

Mr. Dunbar completed six years of active-duty Navy service, followed by three years in the Ready Reserve and five years in the Standby Reserve, ultimately achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. His exemplary service earned him a place on the retired list, marking the culmination of a life defined by dedication, skill, and honor.

Mr. Speaker, the life of Peter Bauer Dunbar stands as a remarkable testament to courage, excellence, and steadfast commitment to his country, his family, and the values that have long guided generations of Americans.