[Pages H3250-H3251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF GOLDA EISENBACH

  (Mr. Lawler of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the 
life of little Golda Eisenbach, who was tragically taken from the 
Monsey community in June.
  Golda was the beloved 4-year-old daughter of Spring Valley Trustee 
Yisroel Eisenbach, a dedicated public servant from a cherished Rockland 
County family.
  Golda's life was cut short in a tragic accident caused by a drunk 
driver, a painful reminder of how one reckless

[[Page H3251]]

choice can shatter lives. What should have been a peaceful end to a day 
playing at the park with her family and friends ended in heartbreak.
  My thoughts and prayers are with the Eisenbach family as they 
continue to mourn their precious daughter's life. Golda brought so much 
light and love to her family.
  My prayers are also with the other victims of this senseless accident 
who are still recovering.
  May Golda's memory be a blessing, and may her loved ones find peace 
in the strength of the community surrounding them.


                  Honoring the Life of Herman S. Geist

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Herman S. Geist, 
a Westchester County legend and a true public servant.
  Herman was the first-ever chairman of the Westchester County Board of 
Legislators, and he helped build the foundation of local government in 
our region for years to come.
  A decorated World War II veteran, Herman came home and spent his life 
working to strengthen his community, from protecting our parks to 
supporting healthcare and preserving New York's history.
  Herman led with humility, integrity, and purpose, and Westchester is 
better because of him.
  I thank his family for sharing Herman with all of us. Herman's legacy 
lives on in the institutions he strengthened, the people he mentored, 
and the county that he helped shape.


                Honoring Patricia ``Patty'' Rathschmidt

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an 
extraordinary Putnam County resident, Patricia ``Patty'' Rathschmidt, 
who passed away this week surrounded by the family she so deeply loved.
  A daughter of Yonkers, the proud child of an Irish immigrant mother 
and a decorated World War II veteran, Patty lived a life rooted in 
service. As a nurse, as a mother of 8, and as a grandmother of 12, 
Patty poured her heart into caring for others.
  Perhaps her most lasting impact began in 2007 when her son Luke was 
deployed with the 82nd Airborne. Patty and her husband, Jim, founded 
United for the Troops, a nonprofit that has sent over 30,000 care 
packages to our men and women in uniform. Each one is a symbol of love, 
gratitude, and the warmth of home and is sealed with a kiss.
  Patty's strength, compassion, and selfless spirit inspired all who 
knew her. I considered her a friend and will miss her dedication and 
commitment to our community.
  May her memory always be a blessing, and may she find peace with her 
son Luke in Heaven.


                           Honoring Ron Tocci

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true Hudson Valley 
hero, Ron Tocci, for his lifelong service to our veterans, our State, 
and our Nation.
  A proud son of New Rochelle and a U.S. Army paratrooper with the 82nd 
Airborne, Ron Tocci brought the same grit and commitment to public 
service that he brought to the battlefield.
  For 20 years, he served in the New York State Assembly, including 
over a decade as chair of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, where he 
authored more than 200 bills. Ron secured funding for State veterans' 
nursing homes, fought for those battling addiction, and never stopped 
working to uphold the dignity of our flag and those who defend it.
  Ron was then commissioner of veterans affairs for the State of New 
York, and for 11 years, he served as director of the Westchester County 
Veterans Service Agency, where he fought to combat veteran homelessness 
and provide our veterans with the services and dignity that they 
deserve.
  On behalf of a grateful community, I thank Ron for his decades of 
selfless leadership and for reminding all of us what it means to put 
service above self.
  Ron has been a tremendous friend, supporter, and colleague, and I 
look forward to what the future holds for him.

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