The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING JAMES P. BURIAK
______
HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Naval Air Crewman 1st Class James ``Jimmy'' P. Buriak, who died on August 31, 2021, at the age of 31.
Mr. Buriak, of Salem, Virginia, was one of the five sailors that lost their lives when an MH-60S helicopter embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, crashed into the sea off the coast of southern California. At the time of the crash, the helicopter was conducting what the Navy described as ``routine flight operations.''
Mr. Buriak was born on May 9, 1990, to Jim and Carol Buriak in Salem. He graduated from Salem High School in 2008 and from Roanoke College in 2012. He joined the Navy in 2017 and served as a rescue swimmer assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight. He deployed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt for two consecutive tours before departing for the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Last year, Mr. Buriak was honored for rescuing a man caught in a rip current off Guam's Gun Beach. Though coral reefs surround the island, and the gentleman was weak from exhaustion, Mr. Buriak was still able to pull him from the current and bring him safely to shore. He was off duty at the time of the rescue and earned the Navy Commendation Medal for his selflessness and bravery.
Mr. Buriak's thoughtful character far exceeded the parameters of his job. He always went out of his way to help those in need and go the extra mile that others weren't willing to do. He was a charismatic and caring man. He valued his friends and time spent with his wife and son. He was esteemed as a hero. I offer my gratitude for his work and sacrifice for our great country. His selfless service will not be forgotten.
His wife, Megan, is starting the AWS1 James Buriak Foundation to continue honoring his legacy. The foundation will seek to improve financial shortcomings for Gold Star families with small children.
Mr. Buriak is survived by his wife, Megan, and young son, Caulder, as well as his parents, Jim and Carol Buriak, his sister, Laura, and brother-in-law, Erik Zickefoose. I offer them my condolences on their loss.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 185
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