Congratulating Northwest Florida State Women's Basketball Team
Floor Speech
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Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, I wish a good morning to northwest Florida and rise to offer a special congratulations to the Northwest Florida State College women's basketball team.
On April 1, 2025--actually the same day that I was sworn into office--the Lady Raiders took on Alabama's Shelton State Buccaneers, and took home their third national championship in 5 years, with a final score of 62-53. Their overall record this season was 32-3, which is amazing, with a conference record of 10-2, and a proud 13-0 record at home.
It takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to make it to the top. Having a heart for the game and for your fellow teammates goes a very long way. I am very excited about the victory of this team and how they brought it home to northwest Florida.
Congratulations to Coach Bart Walker and his coaching staff for all their hard work and leading the team to victory and instilling in them the heart of champions. I congratulate the Northwest Florida State College State championship basketball team on a job very well done. Their incredible win is inspiring. They have made their community and the State of Florida very, very proud. God bless. Go Raiders. Remembering Captain Allen Colby Brady
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Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to represent more than 75,000 veterans that I represent in my district in northwest Florida. Florida serves as one of the most veteran-friendly States in the entire country.
Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow today that I acknowledge the passing and honor the memory of one of those great heroes, Captain Allen Colby Brady of Pensacola and his outstanding service to the United States.
Captain Brady lived as a resident of Pensacola off and on for nearly 50 years, becoming a permanent resident in 1994 after marrying his wife, Dianne, in 1994. Born in 1929 into a naval family, Captain Brady committed to attend the Naval Academy and become a pilot at just 8 years old. He fulfilled that vow after graduating from Annapolis in 1951 and earned his wings in Pensacola 2 years later.
He flew combat missions in Korea, survived nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific, participated in Cold War operations during the Taiwan Strait crisis, and then played a secret role in the Bay of Pigs invasion. He flew defense of freedom throughout the world.
However, his most harrowing test came in January 1967, when he was shot down over North Korea. Allen was captured and spent more than 6 years--that is 2,237 days--as a POW in the infamous Hanoi Hilton, enduring brutal torture, unimaginable conditions, and profound isolation. He never broke. He returned with honor.
After his release in 1973, Allen didn't retire quietly. He returned to Active Duty, ultimately commanding a major Navy training wing. Upon retiring in 1979, after 32 years of service, he set sail, literally, cruising the Florida coast, living out the promise that he and his fellow POWs made to embrace life fully if they ever got home.
However, Allen's service didn't stop there. In 1980, he made a daring, unauthorized voyage to Communist Cuba to rescue refugees during the Mariel boatlift, an act of moral courage that risked his freedom once again.
In later years, Allen became a speaker, mentor, and educator. He published a book of POW stories for schools, and he made personal classroom appearances. He also authored a memoir, ``Witnessing the American Century,'' sharing insights from a life lived at the crossroads of world events.
Even in his nineties, Allen embraced new adventures as he continued to inspire students and veterans alike. Captain Brady exemplified the values of patriotism, courage, and honor.
In his words: ``We will always need people who are willing to serve their country . . . willing to give their lives defending her.'' Allen Brady was not just such a person, he embodied that call.
God bless Captain Brady and his incredible life of service and sacrifice. Katie and I, all Floridians, and this Nation offer our thoughts and prayers to the Brady family as they celebrate his life. May he rest in peace.
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