Recognizing Congressional Patriot Award Recipient Jack Ashmore

Floor Speech

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Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jackie King ``Jack'' Ashmore of Reno, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Jack has dedicated himself to faithfully serving out community and country.

As a child, Jack was always fascinated with aviation and began flying at the age of 7 with his uncle. After graduating from Paris High School in 1947, Jack joined the United States Navy while enrolled at Paris Junior College. He began flight training in 1949 and graduated from aviation school the following year. Jack flew combat tours during the Korean War and was stationed onboard the USS Sicily and USS Rendova aircraft carriers in the Sea of Japan. During the Vietnam War, he became the commander of Attack Squadron 22 and flew 254 combat missions. For his heroic actions in combat, Jack received numerous awards, including the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, the Legion of Merit, fourteen Air Medals, and two Navy Commendation Medals. He later earned his master's degree in international affairs from George Washington University.

In July 1973, Jack retired from the Navy as a Captain. He had been working for the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. In civilian life, Jack continued his passion of flying while volunteering in our community. He conducted flights for police departments, schools, and individuals in need across North Texas. Jack previously served on the advisory board for Paris Airport and the City of Reno. He is a current board member of the Paris Junior College Alumni & Friends Association. For his outstanding contributions, Jack was recognized in 2017 as a distinguished graduate of Paris High School and inducted into Paris Junior College's Academic Hall of Honor. He also received the Federal Aviation Administration's prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award to mark over 50 years of excellent flight. I wish Jack continued success and good health for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Jack with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

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