Recognizing the Life and Service of Brian McCormick
Floor Speech
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Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Mr. Brian ``Mac'' William McCormick of Colleyville, Texas, who peacefully passed away on April 15, 2024.
Mr. McCormick was born on June 8, 1942, in Oneida, New York, to Aaron and Berniece McCormick. After graduating from Norwich High School, he attended Powelson Business School in Syracuse to study accounting. In 1966, Mr. McCormick was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Although he could have denied the draft due to his younger brother already having enlisted, he nevertheless heeded the call to serve his country. During basic training in Fort Riley, Kansas, Mr. McCormick was assigned to the 9th Infantry Division, which was known as the ``Old Reliables''. In Vietnam, he served as a forward observer on an armored personnel carrier and performed numerous search and destroy missions in the Mekong Delta. For his exemplary service, Mr. McCormick received several awards, including the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.
After returning home in 1968, Mr. McCormick was waiting to be processed out in Fort Meade, Maryland, during the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. This led to riots and civil unrest across the country, and he was temporarily called back to service to patrol the streets of Washington, D.C. In civilian life, Mr. McCormick remained active with his American Legion Post and volunteered in his community. He also helped organize company reunions and spoke at these events, in which he was recognized for his outstanding work and community service. Mr. McCormick was a loving father whose selfless service and compassion will be remembered for many years to come.
I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to honor Mr. McCormick's extraordinary life and service to our Nation. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.
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