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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO 1ST LIEUTENANT DAVID JOHN SCHMITZ
______
HON. KEN CALVERT
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, July 13, 2020
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a hero and
true American patriot, United States Air Force First Lieutenant David
John Schmitz. Today we ask that the House of Representatives honor and
remember this incredible young man who died in service to our country.
1st Lt. Schmitz was born in Santa Barbara, California on February 17,
1988 to Brian and Sherrie Schmitz. At the age of only 17, 1st Lt.
Schmitz earned his private pilot's license marking the start to his
career in aviation. He attended San Diego State University where he
enrolled in the University's Air Force ROTC program in hopes of
becoming an Air Force pilot. His success in the program was evident and
before completing his degree he enlisted in the United States Air
Force.
His first duty station was as a loadmaster and instructor on a C-17
cargo plane where he participated in critical missions, such as
delivering supplies to troops on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq. It
was during his time as a loadmaster that he met the love of his life
and his future wife, Valerie Rudolph. With Valerie living in New Mexico
and David stationed in Tacoma, Washington, the two began their
relationship, which they navigated through long-distance and two
deployments. They were married in 2013.
1st Lt. Schmitz completed his undergraduate degree through Embry-
Riddle Aeronautical University, keeping up his studies even while
deployed. Once he completed his degree, 1st Lt. Schmitz earned a slot
as a fighter pilot and was commissioned through Officer Training
School. He completed his undergraduate pilot training with high honors
and earned numerous accolades.
His great success led him to be selected to fly F-16 aircraft at Shaw
Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina. On June 30, 2020, 1st Lt.
Schmitz was tragically killed when his F-16 crashed during a training
mission. He is survived by his wife Valerie, their dog Toby, his
parents Brian and Sherrie Schmitz, sister Laura Schmitz (Issac
Stewart), and his grandmother Louise Schmitz, along with numerous
relatives and friends.
As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we
realize that this history is comprised of men and women, just like 1st
Lt. Schmitz, who bravely fought for the ideals of freedom and
democracy. Each story is unique and humbling for those of us who, far
from the dangers they have faced, live our lives in relative comfort
and ease. The day the Schmitz family learned of their husband, son, and
brother's death was probably the hardest day they have ever faced, and
our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to them. His
sacrifice is forever etched in our nation's great history of freedom
triumphing over oppression. 1st Lt. Schmitz's family has given a part
of themselves in the loss of their loved one and we hope they know that
the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he has made
will never be forgotten.
____________________
