One last farewell to Major Ryan David who was buried to rest Saturday. Over 1000+ attended to pay their respects including the Govenor and a 2 star General. RIP Major David.
"The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) for 5 minutes". -Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
"Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise today to honor the memory of Major Ryan S. David of Boone, North Carolina, who was a member of the North Carolina Air National Guard. On July 1, his Charlotte-based C-130 crew crashed in South Dakota while battling the State's White Draw fire. Major David was an experienced navigator who joined the National Guard in 2011 after completing Active Duty service in the U.S. Air Force. He is survived by his wife, Jenny, and his infant son, Rob.
Along with Major David, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Mikeal of Mooresville, Major Joseph McCormick of Belmont, and Senior Master Sergeant Robert Cannon of Charlotte gave their lives in service to our country. There's no question of the bravery and commitment of these men, and we are very grateful to them. My heart goes out to the families of these heroes and their Air National Guard colleagues. May God grant them comfort in this time of loss, and may He bless the sacrifices of these fallen." - Rep. Virginia Foxx of NC
"Mr. President, today I wish to honor six brave airmen with the North Carolina Air National Guard who died or were seriously injured while fighting South Dakota's White Draw Fire.
Lt. Col. Paul Mikeal, Maj. Joseph McCormick, Maj. Ryan David, and Senior Master Sgt. Robert Cannon were killed July 1 when their C-130 firefighting plane crashed near Edgemont, SD, as they battled a large forest fire in the Black Hills. Two crewmembers survived the crash but were left in critical condition.
Men and women in our armed forces put their lives on the line every day for their fellow servicemembers and for all Americans. They serve in the hope that these daily sacrifices will ensure a safer and more prosperous United States. Their actions are not in vain nor forgotten, and members of our armed services are continually in our thoughts and prayers.
Airmen fighting these fires are necessarily exposed to dangerous conditions in order for firefighters on the ground to have the chance to contain these wildfires. The importance of these domestic actions by the Air National Guard cannot be overstated. They are fighting to save our homes, our businesses, and our communities from devastating fires, often flying in very dangerous terrain.
The names of the fallen airmen will be added to a memorial at the unit's headquarters and their service likewise praised. Great Americans such as these continue to answer the call whenever and wherever they are needed. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of Paul, Joseph, Ryan, and Robert, and I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the lives of these men." - Senator John Thunes of SD
The last photo taken of Major Ryan S. David.
"With all the wildfires out west, I'm ready for the call to ride baby! Driving back up to VA in the morning for work...I'd rather be flying on a MAFFS Mission." Facebook, Major Ryan S. David
"I'm leaving for Charlotte in an hour. Putting on the Superman cape and headed to Colorado on Saturday for my first MAFFS! Firefighting with the C-130 for my non-military family and friends. -Facebook- Major Ryan S. David.
Rest In Peace Superman. You will be missed.