May 2, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 72 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN G. MOUSHEGIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 2, 2019

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I offer these remarks in tribute to 
Stephen G. Moushegian of Salem, Virginia, a hero of the Vietnam War who 
died on March 22 at the age of 74.
  Born on January 22, 1945, Steve was not a stranger to military life 
in his younger years, as his father had graduated from West Point and 
served in World War II. Steve began his service in the U.S. Army as a 
member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at the University of 
Georgia. Upon commissioning, he entered flight school and excelled as a 
pilot.
  When Steve was deployed to Vietnam, he opted for a risky assignment: 
flying helicopters for reconnaissance missions. He quickly proved his 
courage and skill at the task. Although the North Vietnamese would 
target his helicopter as it scouted for U.S. forces, he would persist 
in reconnoitering their positions, even at times after his helicopter 
was hit by enemy fire. His daring missions gathered valuable 
intelligence for the U.S. military and earned him several decorations, 
including a Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam 
Gallantry Cross with Silver Star, and Distinguished Flying Cross.
  In September 1969, Steve's helicopter took enemy fire, and he was 
wounded in the arms, shoulder, and left eye. The eye injury blinded him 
in that eye, so he was sent home with a Purple Heart. Notwithstanding 
the serious injuries he sustained, he treasured his service to the 
country he loved.
  Steve worked as a medical salesman after his service in the Army, and 
occasionally I would have the pleasure of joining him and his lunch 
buddies. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ricki, his children 
Jeff, Christie Shaps, and Suzi, and six grandchildren. His son Jeff 
served in the Army after graduating from Virginia Military Institute, 
and his grandson also plans on a military career after completing his 
course of study at the same institution. We all can take inspiration 
from the life of Steve Moushegian, a loving father, husband, and 
patriot who served his country in the skies over Vietnam with valor.

                          ____________________