November 6, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 177 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Pages S6444-S6445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING CHIEF GREGORY E. PYLE

  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the memory of 
Gregory E. Pyle, Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, who passed 
away last week. Chief Pyle was a dedicated servant and leader of the 
Choctaw Nation for 30 years. After more than 13 years as the Assistant 
Chief of the Tribe, in 1997, he became Chief of the Choctaw Nation 
until his retirement in 2014.
  Chief Pyle was a man of vision and action. He put families first by 
focusing on health, jobs, and education. Under his thoughtful 
leadership, the Choctaw Nation focused on economic development, which 
resulted in new business and job opportunities for Tribal members.
  One of my fondest memories with Chief Pyle was when we worked 
together to pass the historic Code Talkers legislation, which awarded 
Congressional Commemorative Medals to the Code Talkers of the Choctaw 
Nation of Oklahoma, along with other Tribes, in recognition of their 
service during World Wars I and II. Not many people remember this, but 
Chief Pyle and I started on our journey to honor these heroes in 2002, 
and it wasn't until 2008 that we were able to get it done. This measure 
along with many others not only speaks to his character, but also to 
his unwavering dedication to the Choctaw people.
  The Choctaw Nation and the State of Oklahoma are grateful for his 
dedication and humble leadership. His legacy will benefit generations 
to come.

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