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Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Victoria Spartz. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
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August 10, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. VICTORIA SPARTZ
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Mrs. SPARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Barry E. Boyer, a remarkable Navy and Vietnam War veteran and long-time resident of Marion, Indiana. His life is defined by his patriotism and service to both our community and nation.
At just nineteen years old, Mr. Boyer enlisted in the United States Navy on July 5th of 1966. His service took him to the Great Lakes Naval Station where he completed nine weeks of basic training. Mr. Boyer was then assigned to the USS Pickaway (APA 222) and began his four-year tour of duty around Southeast Asia.
Following his promotion to Second Class Petty Officer, Mr. Boyer received orders to serve as a replacement for one of the twenty-five US Navy personnel that heroically lost their lives aboard the USS Westchester County (LST-1167). The ship was anchored in the Saigon River Basin in Vietnam, when Viet Cong frogman placed deadly mines on the ship's hull. The explosions marked the single greatest loss of Navy personnel during the Vietnam War.
Mr. Boyer spent his final sixteen months on two tours of duty in and out of enemy waters in South Vietnam. He served with the US Navy until March 13th of 1970, carrying the memory and honor of those that sacrificed their lives. Following his honorable discharge, Mr. Boyer returned to Marion, Indiana. He went on to serve at the United States Postal Service, continuing his passion for public service.
It was in Marion that Mr. Boyer met Reta Painter Boyer of Fairmount, Indiana, and married her. Together, they have raised two daughters, Jennifer and Janelle, and built their family based on the ideals of both faith and service. Mr. Boyer retired from the United States Post Office in 2003, after years of dedicated service. As described by his loved ones, Mr. Boyer has continued to be a patriot and humble servant of the Lord.
On behalf of Indiana's 5th District, I commend Mr. Boyer for his courage and commitment to others. His contributions reflect true American patriotism.