Floor SpeechCeremonial2024-12-19

CELEBRATING THOMAS RAY DIX'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

DefenseTradeVeterans

Context

On 2024-12-19, Representative Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA-14) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THOMAS RAY DIX'S 100TH BIRTHDAY" in the House. The speech addressed defense and also covered trade policy, veterans affairs.

Full Text

CELEBRATING THOMAS RAY DIX'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 189 (Thursday, December 19, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 189 (Thursday, December 19, 2024)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1308-E1309] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THOMAS RAY DIX'S 100TH BIRTHDAY ______ HON. GUY RESCHENTHALER of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Thursday, December 19, 2024 Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Thomas Ray Dix, a World War II veteran, who will turn 100 years old on December 26, 2024. In 1943, Mr. Dix enlisted in the Navy and attained the rank of a Motor Machinist's Mate Second Class. He was sent to the Pacific Theater where he served aboard the USS Hemminger (DE 746). Mr. Dix participated in several missions, trained submarines for war patrols, and engaged in antisubmarine operations. In the Pacific Theater, the USS Hemminger (DE 746) supported the search for Lieutenant General Millard F. Harmon and escorted supplies during the Battle of Okinawa. Thereafter, Mr. Dix served on the USS Minivet (AM-371). In October 1945, he arrived in Japan to sweep sea lanes for mines leftover from the war. On December 29, 1945, the ship struck a mine and began sinking, but thankfully, Mr. Dix survived and returned home to his family. Following his honorable military service, Mr. Dix returned to southwestern Pennsylvania to start his career and continue his public service. He stayed active in the Normalville Veterans of Foreign Wars club, where he often recalled heroic stories of his service in World War II. In 1963, Mr. Dix became the co-owner of Anchor Cement Block Works, where he ran the company with his brother, Edwin Dale Dix. He became a Deacon at the Indian Head Church of God and served on the Donegal School Board in Westmoreland County. Mr. Dix remains active in many community organizations, including the VFW, and lives in the home he built with his late wife, Valetta, 70 years ago. He is an important member of our community, and we thank him for his years of service to our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House join me in celebrating a true American hero, Mr. Thomas Ray Dix, on his 100th birthday. [[Page E1309]] ____________________

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CELEBRATING THOMAS RAY DIX'S 100TH BIRTHDAY Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 189 (Thursday, December 19, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 189 (Thursday, December 19, 2024)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1308-E1309] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THOMAS RAY DIX'S 100TH BIRTHDAY ______ HON. GUY RESCHENTHALER of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Thursday, December 19, 2024 Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Thomas Ray Dix, a World War II veteran, who will turn 100 years old on December 26, 2024. In 1943, Mr. Dix enlisted in the Navy and attained the rank of a Motor Machinist's Mate Second Class. He was sent to the Pacific Theater where he served aboard the USS Hemminger (DE 746). Mr. Dix participated in several missions, trained submarines for war patrols, and engaged in antisubmarine operations. In the Pacific Theater, the USS Hemminger (DE 746) supported the search for Lieutenant General Millard F. Harmon and escorted supplies during the Battle of Okinawa. Thereafter, Mr. Dix served on the USS Minivet (AM-371). In October 1945, he arrived in Japan to sweep sea lanes for mines leftover from the war. On December 29, 1945, the ship struck a mine and began sinking, but thankfully, Mr. Dix survived and returned home to his family. Following his honorable military service, Mr. Dix returned to southwestern Pennsylvania to start his career and continue his public service. He stayed active in the Normalville Veterans of Foreign Wars club, where he often recalled heroic stories of his service in World War II. In 1963, Mr. Dix became the co-owner of Anchor Cement Block Works, where he ran the company with his brother, Edwin Dale Dix. He became a Deacon at the Indian Head Church of God and served on the Donegal School Board in Westmoreland County. Mr. Dix remains active in many community organizations, including the VFW, and lives in the home he built with his late wife, Valetta, 70 years ago. He is an important member of our community, and we thank him for his years of service to our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House join me in celebrating a true American hero, Mr. Thomas Ray Dix, on his 100th birthday. [[Page E1309]] ____________________