HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF RONNIE RASMUSSEN, U.S. ARMY STAFF SEARGENT AND FEDERAL AIR MARSHAL

HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF RONNIE RASMUSSEN, U.S. ARMY STAFF SEARGENT AND FEDERAL AIR MARSHAL

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E128] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF RONNIE RASMUSSEN, U.S. ARMY STAFF SEARGENT AND FEDERAL AIR MARSHAL ______ HON. DARREN SOTO of florida in the house of representatives Thursday, February 13, 2025 Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Staff Seargent Ronnie Rasmussen, a resident of St. Cloud, Florida, graduated from Osceola High School in 1983 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, completing Aviation Machinist Mate training and serving at NAS Miramar and NAS Oceana. He reached the rank of Petty Officer Third Class before completing his service in 1987. In 2008, inspired by a conversation with a coworker, he joined the Army Reserve, training as a unit supply specialist and later as a cargo specialist. Over the years, he served in multiple roles, including Drill Sergeant Company Member, Military Police, and Operations NCO. In 2014, he deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant, he took on leadership roles in supply, security, and training. In 2023, he transferred to the 76th Expeditionary Terminal Operations Element for a final deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield. In March 2025, he will retire from the U.S. Army Reserve after nearly 23 years of combined service. Parallel to his military career, Rasmussen had a distinguished law enforcement career. He worked as a police officer in St. Cloud, Florida, and as a detective with the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, investigating crimes against tourists. In 1998, he joined the State Fire Marshal's Office, investigating over 100 fires annually. Following the 9/11 attacks, he became a Federal Air Marshal in 2002, flying over five million miles and conducting international security operations. He also contributed to the VIPR program, enhancing security at transit locations nationwide. After 23 years as a Federal Air Marshal and nearly 40 years in law enforcement, Rasmussen will retire on March 28, 2025, to spend well- earned time with his family, having sacrificed countless birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays in service of his country.