The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING NATHAN RAMIA
______
HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Ms. SLOTKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a member of our team who was instrumental in the safe evacuation of Afghan allies and partners alike, Mr. Nathan Ramia.
Mr. Ramia lives and breathes service. Some would say it's ingrained in his DNA as a graduate of the United States Military Academy. But beyond his Army bona fides, Mr. Ramia's character stands out in his willingness to go above and beyond for a group of vulnerable refugees, sight unseen. He leveraged his network, a word used often but rarely with so much importance, to bring together individuals from all over the world to achieve a common mission.
But where Nathan's leadership truly stands out is over the course of a harrowing 24 hours when our convoy of buses attempted to make it past the airport gates. On a group text chain with all the bus drivers, Mr. Ramia relayed information, calmed nerves, and succeeded in keeping our flock together when immense pressure was on them to turn back. After multiple attempts, several scares, and a few strokes of luck, our group of Afghans made it through--a testament to Mr. Ramia's poise throughout the ordeal.
There is a definition of courage that comes to mind when one thinks of Mr. Ramia--grace under pressure. Undoubtedly he owes some of his courage to serving our country faithfully in uniform. But there is another, quieter source of Mr. Ramia's courage. It comes from the knowledge that his work made a difference in the lives of others. It comes from seeing the fruits of his labor in the lives still with us instead of lost to a chaotic evacuation. I--and the entire team--owe Mr. Ramia an enormous debt of gratitude for his actions and his commitment to his fellow man.
Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Nathan Ramia for his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty in our effort to evacuate Afghan allies from Kabul and support them in their new life. For his resolve throughout the 10-day gauntlet and his calm determination in the midst of chaos that ensured the safety of individuals thousands of miles away, I submit these words--may they stand as a tribute to his dedicated service when the moment called for it most.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 211(1), Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 211(2)
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