[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 19, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2276-E2277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNIZING OF MAJOR BRIAN SITLER, UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2008

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of 
Major Brian Sitler, United States Air Force. Brian served as the 
Military Fellow in my office during the second session of the 110th 
Congress and was an integral part of the staff. He took the lead on 9 
important portfolios: Defense/Foreign Policy, FEMA, Homeland Security, 
Immigration, Postal TRICARE/Military Health Care, Labor/Trade, 
Resources/Interior/Environment, and Science and Technology. He also 
served as my subject matter expert for important Air Force issues which 
included the Air Force Tanker replacement and the BRAC-mandated Joint 
Strike Fighter beddown at Eglin Air Force Base. Brian's counsel on the 
strategic as well as tactical implications was extremely valuable.
  Brian's performance in dealing with constituents and case work should 
be commended. He effectively negotiated the executive and legislative 
barriers to solve constituent issues. One case in particular should be 
highlighted. He received a constituent request from a military retiree 
whose daughter was diagnosed with autism. Brian took the initiative to 
investigate this case further and uncovered a significant gap between 
active duty and retiree TRICARE coverage in the Extended Care Health 
Option, ECHO, program. After bringing this to my attention, Brian 
worked with the Congressional Budget Office, Professional Staff Members 
from the House Armed Services Committee, autism advocacy groups, and 
offices of other Members of Congress and Senators. As a result of his 
diligent work, the $231 million bipartisan ``Military Family Autism 
Equality Act'' was introduced. Without Brian's initiative, hard work, 
and attention to detail, this act would not have been possible.

[[Page E2277]]

  In addition to the accomplishments already noted, Brian served as a 
pivotal staffer and organized escorts for two Honor Flight trips. Honor 
Flight brought 203 World War II heroes to visit Washington, DC's war 
memorials. He also assisted me in high level meetings with the 
Ambassadors from the Republic of Korea and Mauritania. He served as an 
outstanding ambassador of the United States Air Force, and I was proud 
to have him as an integral part of my staff.
  Brian excelled in every area and exceeded all fellowship 
expectations. While I am saddened that he will soon leave my office, I 
am delighted that Brian was selected for Squadron Command. I have no 
doubt that he will excel in this role as a Commander, and I will feel 
comfortable knowing that the lives of our Airmen are in his hands. 
Vicki and I wish Brian, his wife, Suzanne, and their children, Meagan, 
Cory, Gabe, and Emily our best wishes for future success and happiness.

                          ____________________