On 2026-04-16, Representative Eugene Simon Vindman (D-VA-7) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING AVERY WISE FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered taxes, the environment.
HONORING AVERY WISE FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 67 (Thursday, April 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 67 (Thursday, April 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E334] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING AVERY WISE FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY ______ HON. EUGENE SIMON VINDMAN of virginia in the house of representatives Thursday, April 16, 2026 Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Avery Wise, a fearless 17-year-old leader from Woodbridge, Virginia, who has already committed his life to serving others. At just 17 years old, EMT Wise volunteers weekly with the Occoquan- Woodbridge-Lorton (OWL) Volunteer Fire Department, where he responds to 911 emergency calls, provides medical assistance to patients, and administers appropriate medical treatments. Last year, his passion for service was put to the test in a profound and life-changing way. While in class learning about air management, EMT Wise was dispatched to an emergency involving a 73-year-old woman who had stopped breathing. Without a doubt, he went into action, performing an intubation procedure and attaching a ventilation device to restore her breathing. After successfully stabilizing the patient, he remained by her side during transport, carefully making sure her chest continued to rise adequately. Thanks to his quick actions and composure under pressure, the patient was released from the hospital in good health. This experience did not deter him, instead it strengthened his commitment to public service and deepened his understanding of what it truly means to serve, no matter how big or small the call could be. EMT Wise's dedication to serving his community doesn't stop when he is off the clock. He has been a member of the Trail Life USA scouting program for over 11 years, serving in multiple leadership roles, including First Officer and High School Chaplain, taking on the responsibility of assisting the Troop Master in troop management and communicating with the Committee Chair to discuss ways to improve the organization. In addition, EMT Wise is an extraordinary varsity basketball player with the Northern Virginia Homeschool Athletic Association. He also earned the Passion for Public Service Scholarship from the National Society of High School Scholars. In want to personally thank EMT Wise for his dedication to serving his community, and I wish him continued success as he works toward becoming a crew leader within his EMT team. Mr. Speaker. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing EMT Wise for his courage. ____________________