Congressional Veteran Commendation for Major John McDermott

Floor Speech

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Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major John McDermott of Rockwall, Texas, and award him a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Major McDermott honorably served in the United States Marine Corps during the Cold War and the Global War on Terrorism.

Major McDermott was born in a military household, and his family's history of service dates back to the First World War. From a young age, he had a strong passion for aviation and military history. In 1986, Major McDermott enlisted in the Marine Corps and commissioned as an officer four years later. He served as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer and Plane Captain of an F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft. Major McDermott was responsible for flight safety protocols, aircraft readiness, and maintenance of numerous other aircraft such as the Harrier jump jet and KC-130 Hercules. His duties not only took him around the continental U.S., but also to Australia, Japan, and South Korea. During the Cold War, relations with the Soviet Union were highly contentious. Skilled officers like Major McDermott were tasked with supplying Hornets so they may patrol the skies over the Sea of Japan to counter Soviet and North Korean aggression in the region. For his service, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal among many others.

After his retirement from the Marine Corps in 2009, Major McDermott continued to make an impact on the community by working with the Civil Air Patrol. Additionally, he is a lifetime member of the CW02 Randolph Marine Corps League Detachment, whose members volunteer in community service programs throughout Rockwall County. Major McDermott's lifelong knowledge of aerospace and defense issues has allowed him to continue his career with L3Harris in Greenville, Texas. Even in civilian service, he is steadfast in his commitment to safeguard our Nation. Major McDermott is married to his wife Karen, and they have three sons, two of whom are current cadets at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

I am honored to represent Major McDermott in Texas' 4th Congressional District. It is a privilege to award him the Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to our Nation and to the people of North Texas.

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