HONORING COLONEL FRANK OTT

On 2026-04-23, Representative Richard McCormick (R-GA-7) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING COLONEL FRANK OTT" in the House.

HONORING COLONEL FRANK OTT

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026)] [House] [Page H3079] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING COLONEL FRANK OTT (Mr. McCORMICK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Colonel Frank Ott, my uncle, who made his final takeoff on February 18, 2022. To me, he was family. To our Nation, he was a hero and a patriot. From a one-room schoolhouse in North Dakota to the cockpit of America's most advanced aircraft, Colonel Ott lived a life of discipline, courage, and purpose. He earned his wings in 1955 and went on to fly and command missions in the F-86, F-100, B-47, B-52, U-2, and EB-66, amassing over 5,000 flight hours, including hundreds in combat in Vietnam. His decorations reflect not just achievement, but a willing sacrifice for the Nation he loved. Beyond the uniform, he was a man of quiet strength, kind, humble, and deeply devoted to family. He never sought recognition, only purpose. Today, we remember not just his service, but his spirit. He was a true patriot, a devoted husband, and a beloved uncle. May we strive to live with the same integrity and vigor he showed every day. Semper Fidelis. ____________________