Floor SpeechNeutral2026-01-07

HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERT L. KNIPRATH

DefenseTradeVeterans

Context

On 2026-01-07, Representative Mike Haridopolos (R-FL-8) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERT L. KNIPRATH" in the House. The speech addressed defense and also covered trade policy, veterans affairs.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERT L. KNIPRATH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)] [House] [Pages H107-H108] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERT L. KNIPRATH (Mr. Haridopolos of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Robert Kniprath who was proudly recognized as October's Brevard County Veteran of the Month. Mr. Kniprath answered our Nation's call during World War II, serving in the United States Navy in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. As a petty officer second class, he carried out vital responsibilities supporting critical naval operations that contributed to Allied success in the Southwest Pacific. His service earned him multiple commendations, including the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. After his military service, Mr. Kniprath built a life rooted in family, hard work, and community in Brevard County. He was known as a devoted father, husband, and grandfather, and as a man who deeply believed in civic duty, the importance of voting to safeguard our Republic and our democratic values. Mr. Speaker, Brevard County and our Nation are stronger because of patriots like Robert Kniprath. Recognizing Debby Ellen Moone Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary Floridian and patriot, Debby Ellen Moone. She was named Brevard County's November Veteran of the Month. Captain Moone dedicated 32 years of her life to serving our Nation in uniform, answering the call in both the United States Air Force and the United States Army. After serving 22 years in the United States Air Force and rising [[Page H108]] to the rank of senior master sergeant, she continued her service by becoming a commissioned Army officer, ultimately retiring as a captain in the Medical Service Corps. Throughout her distinguished career, Captain Moone deployed in Operation Desert Storm, served overseas in Korea, and led soldiers as a medical company commander. Her service has been recognized with numerous honors, including: the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among many others. Mr. Speaker, Captain Moone represents the very best of the Space Coast: selfless, resilient, and devoted to something greater than herself. Our Nation is stronger because of her service, and Brevard County is proud to call her one of our own. Honoring Luis Francisco Ramos Ramirez Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Luis Francisco Ramos Ramirez who has been selected as January's Brevard County Veteran of the Month. Mr. Ramos Ramirez proudly served our Nation in the United States Army, answering the call of duty during a critical moment in our history. He served in Vietnam where he conducted reconnaissance missions, some of the most dangerous and demanding assignments in combat. He served honorably, even volunteered to remain in Vietnam for additional time, demonstrating his extraordinary courage and selflessness. For his service, Mr. Ramos Ramirez earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, Two Bronze Service Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal, decorations that reflect both his valor and his sacrifice. Like so many of our veterans, his legacy extends beyond the uniform. His commitment to protecting our freedoms remind us that the liberties we enjoy today were secured by Americans willing to put country before self. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Florida's Space Coast and a grateful Nation, I thank Luis Francisco Ramos Ramirez for his service, his sacrifice, and his example of leadership. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERT L. KNIPRATH Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)] [House] [Pages H107-H108] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERT L. KNIPRATH (Mr. Haridopolos of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Robert Kniprath who was proudly recognized as October's Brevard County Veteran of the Month. Mr. Kniprath answered our Nation's call during World War II, serving in the United States Navy in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. As a petty officer second class, he carried out vital responsibilities supporting critical naval operations that contributed to Allied success in the Southwest Pacific. His service earned him multiple commendations, including the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. After his military service, Mr. Kniprath built a life rooted in family, hard work, and community in Brevard County. He was known as a devoted father, husband, and grandfather, and as a man who deeply believed in civic duty, the importance of voting to safeguard our Republic and our democratic values. Mr. Speaker, Brevard County and our Nation are stronger because of patriots like Robert Kniprath. Recognizing Debby Ellen Moone Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary Floridian and patriot, Debby Ellen Moone. She was named Brevard County's November Veteran of the Month. Captain Moone dedicated 32 years of her life to serving our Nation in uniform, answering the call in both the United States Air Force and the United States Army. After serving 22 years in the United States Air Force and rising [[Page H108]] to the rank of senior master sergeant, she continued her service by becoming a commissioned Army officer, ultimately retiring as a captain in the Medical Service Corps. Throughout her distinguished career, Captain Moone deployed in Operation Desert Storm, served overseas in Korea, and led soldiers as a medical company commander. Her service has been recognized with numerous honors, including: the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among many others. Mr. Speaker, Captain Moone represents the very best of the Space Coast: selfless, resilient, and devoted to something greater than herself. Our Nation is stronger because of her service, and Brevard County is proud to call her one of our own. Honoring Luis Francisco Ramos Ramirez Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Luis Francisco Ramos Ramirez who has been selected as January's Brevard County Veteran of the Month. Mr. Ramos Ramirez proudly served our Nation in the United States Army, answering the call of duty during a critical moment in our history. He served in Vietnam where he conducted reconnaissance missions, some of the most dangerous and demanding assignments in combat. He served honorably, even volunteered to remain in Vietnam for additional time, demonstrating his extraordinary courage and selflessness. For his service, Mr. Ramos Ramirez earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, Two Bronze Service Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal, decorations that reflect both his valor and his sacrifice. Like so many of our veterans, his legacy extends beyond the uniform. His commitment to protecting our freedoms remind us that the liberties we enjoy today were secured by Americans willing to put country before self. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Florida's Space Coast and a grateful Nation, I thank Luis Francisco Ramos Ramirez for his service, his sacrifice, and his example of leadership. ____________________