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On the passing of Harry McDonald
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| April 3rd, 2008 |
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Madam Speaker,
It is with great sadness that I rise today to recognize the passing of Harry Ryan “Mack” McDonald, Jr. Mack was a patriot who over the course of many years put his country before himself.
Born on August 8, 1928, in Pensacola in my district in Northwest Florida, Mack enjoyed an extensive career with both the United States Navy and Army. Over two decades of service saw him rise from his first enlistment to the rank of first sergeant and later retire at the rank of captain. Through those years he defended our nation’s liberty in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Mack’s bravery in combat earned him, among other honors, both the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.
After his retirement, Mack returned to Northwest Florida, the area of the country where he had grown up and still wanted to call home. After building a house in the city of Crestview, Mack wanted to continue to be engaged with our armed forces and joined the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Crestview Chapter 57. His love of service to his country showed in his involvement with DAV, and he served in many positions. Mack went on to become a chapter commander, a district commander, and a state commander. This is no small task given the number of veterans that choose to call the state of Florida their home.
From 1997 to 1998, Mack served as the national commander for the Disabled American Veterans. There is no doubt that Mack was the right man for this monumental job. He served as the main advocate for over a million veterans throughout the nation. In this position, Mack traveled the nation learning the needs of disabled veterans and came before Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs to explain and press for improved services for those veterans.
My condolences go out to Mack’s wife Merallyn, their family, and all others who mourn the loss of this great servant to our nation. America is a better, safer place because of him and those many others who served in our armed forces. He loved his country and his family deeply, and his loss will have a vast impact on many.
Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is with no small amount of sorrow that I tell of the passing of Mack McDonald from this world, and his family is in my thoughts and prayers.
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There are no Floor Speechess to be displayed for this month.
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