On 2026-07-13, Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI-5) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE SERVICE OF PATRICK KNIGHT" in the House.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF PATRICK KNIGHT Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E676] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF PATRICK KNIGHT ______ HON. TIM WALBERG of michigan in the house of representatives Monday, July 13, 2026 Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Patrick Knight of Hillsdale as the Veteran of the Month for July and honor him for his sacrifice and service on behalf of our great Nation. Patrick Knight served in the United States Navy as a Search and Rescue Helicopter Crewman from 1966 to 1970. During his time in active duty, Patrick served with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron One (HC-1) at NAS Imperial Beach in California and overseas with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Seven (HC-7), the Navy's premier Combat Search and Rescue unit that is also known as the ``Sea Devils.'' While with HC-7, he assisted in rescuing pilots that had been shot down in Vietnam and the surrounding waters, helping his squadron to rescue approximately 150 pilots. For his contributions to our Nation, Patrick was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Combat Search and Rescue Air Wings. In 1971, the Sea Devils were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation by President Richard Nixon for their extraordinary heroism while performing rescue operations under adverse conditions. Following his time in the military, Patrick continued to serve others, spending 32 years as a member of the Riverview Police Force and recently retiring as Chief of Police. Patrick has also remained active in the local veteran community, joining the VFW Post 1136 in Wyandotte. Currently, he serves on the Board for the Emergency Telephone Services for Hillsdale County and the Board of the Hillsdale Senior Center. Patrick Knight's remarkable dedication to serving others and his leadership in our local communities inspire us all. May others know of my high regard for Patrick, as well as my deep gratitude for his lasting contributions to the country we love. ____________________