OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Recognizing the Life of Robert Anthony Klimek, Jr.

Floor Speech

Date: Aug. 3, 2026
Location: Washington, DC

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Robert ``Bob'' Anthony Klimek, Jr. who passed away January 30, 2026.

Robert was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1933 to parents Robert Anthony Klimek, Sr. and Emma Ellen Klimek. During the Korean War, he enlisted in the Air Force with the aim of becoming a pilot. Following his successful completion of pilot training, he served as a test pilot, a flight instructor, and flew the F100 as a fighter pilot. By the end of his career, Bob has amassed 5,000 hours of flying time, rising to Command Pilot.

Later in his Air Force Career, Bob specialized in electronic warfare. This became especially important during his service in the Vietnam War. During his service in Vietnam, he invented, and received a patent for, a device to detect and avoid Russian Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs). This groundbreaking invention saved countless lives and was so effective only one plane was lost to a SAM following its deployment through the end of the war.

Following a distinguished 24-year career in the Air Force, Bob retired at the rank of Colonel. For his outstanding service, he received Military Merit Medal, Medal for Meritorious Service, Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit. He also earned undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado, Master's degree in Engineering Management from George Washington University and a Juris Doctorate degree from Georgetown Law School.

Bob became a lawyer with a focus on government and international contracts following his time in the Air Force. He lived an adventurous life, developing passions for scuba diving, sailing, flying recreationally, and travel.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lucia Casale; along with his children, Robert Anthony Klimek, III, and Constance Conway; his grandson, Niel Young; and great-grandchildren Peyton and Emma Young.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the life of Robert ``Bob'' Anthony Klimek, Jr.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT


Source
arrow_upward