WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) paid tribute today on the Senate floor to Rylee McCollum, a Marine from Wyoming who was killed in a terrorist attack in Afghanistan on August 26. Senator Lummis joined fellow senators in honoring the 13 U.S. service members killed in the ISIS attack outside of Kabul’s airport.
“Rylee was a Wyoming guy through and through,” Senator Lummis said. “He was born with the heart of a soldier. He joined the military right out of high school. He heard the call to defend our nation, and he didn’t hesitate to answer that call. He had plans to become a history teacher and coach once he finished his commitment to the Marines.”
Senator Lummis added, “I had the opportunity to meet some of Rylee’s family this past weekend. I had the great honor of expressing my deepest appreciation of Rylee’s sacrifice to them in person on behalf of a very grateful Wyoming.” Senator Lummis noted, “Wyoming’s very special way of honoring its beloved Rylee was on full display last Friday. People waving American flags lined the streets of Jackson to give Rylee a hero’s welcome as his remains were returned home. The people of Wyoming are heartbroken, but infinitely proud of his bravery and sacrifice.”
To watch Senator Lummis’s floor speech, click here.
###