Today, US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) spoke on the Senate floor to offer his prayers and support for the family of Lieutenant Patrick L. Ruth. Lieutenant Ruth died during a training mission Sunday, October 1st, 2017. He was a member of the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps at Tulane University. Ruth was commissioned in 2008. He was a native of Metairie, Louisiana.
To watch the full speech, click here.
Remarks as delivered below:
On Sunday, October 1st, United States Naval Aviation Instructor Lieutenant Patrick L. Ruth and student naval aviator Lieutenant Junior Grade Wallace Burch, both were killed when their Goshawk training jet crashed in Tellico Plains, Tennessee. Lieutenant Ruth was a native of Louisiana, growing up in Metairie.
Lieutenant Ruth served in the Navy for 9 years, beginning his career in the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps at Tulane University. He was commissioned May 2008, and after flight training joined the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 based out of Norfolk, Virginia in 2012. Lieutenant Ruth flew the E-2C Hawkeye as part of the tactical air forces of the United States Navy. His primary mission was early warning defense of the Carrier Battle Group, as well as air strike control, ocean surveillance, and search and rescue coordination.
In April 2015, he moved to the Naval Training Squadron 7, based in Meridian, Mississippi. As an instructor, Lieutenant Ruth trained the next generation of Naval Aviators in strike aviation, basic aircraft maneuvering, and landing skills. Lieutenant Ruth was a dedicated naval aviator. As evidence, he earned two Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals during his distinguished career.
Our brave men and women in uniform take extreme risks every day to defend our nation. The risks are necessary, made to ensure that our military is fully prepared to face any threat. We are forever grateful for Lieutenant Ruth, and those who answer the call of duty to keep us safe.
We must also think of the incredible sacrifices of Lieutenant Ruth’s family and all military families. They may not be wearing uniforms, but they too serve our country.
I had the privilege of speaking with Lieutenant Ruth’s family. I learned that his younger brother Shane is active duty Navy. His older brother is retired Navy. His sisters were, and are, so supportive.
Lieutenant Ruth’s parents, David and Mary Anne Ruth still grieve. How can any parent not?
To borrow from President Lincoln’s letter to a grieving mother. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
Lieutenant Ruth is survived by his parents David and Mary Anne, his fiancée Jessica, and his four siblings. We grieve with you. You are in our prayers. Lieutenant Patrick Ruth will not be forgotten.
Thank you, I yield the floor