[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 36 (Monday, February 24, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H750-H751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         MOURNING THE LOSS OF STAFF SERGEANT RYAN AUSTIN O'HARA

  (Mr. CARTER of Georgia asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of 
Staff Sergeant Ryan Austin O'Hara, who was unfortunately among the 
three soldiers who passed away in the tragic helicopter accident in 
Washington, D.C., on January 29.
  Sergeant O'Hara was a native of Lilburn, Georgia, who began serving 
in the Army in July of 2014 when he enlisted at the age of 18. He 
served a tour in Afghanistan in 2017 and then was deployed at Hunter 
Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. Most recently, he was serving at 
Fort Belvoir in Virginia.

[[Page H751]]

  Sergeant O'Hara was frequently recognized for his hard work and 
sacrifice during his time in the Army. He received accolades including: 
the Army Commendation Medal of Valor, National Defense Service Medal, 
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, and Senior Aviation 
Badge. He was a four-time recipient of the Army Achievement Medal and 
three-time recipient of the National Defense Service Medal.
  In addition to being remembered for his honorable service to our 
Nation, Sergeant O'Hara will always be remembered for his dedication, 
fearlessness, love for his family, and passion for flight and serving 
others.
  Sergeant O'Hara is survived by his parents, his wife, and his 1-year-
old son.
  I extend my deepest condolences to Sergeant Ryan O'Hara's family and 
friends and all of those impacted by this tragic accident.

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