[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 154 (Tuesday, December 4, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S7399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    TRIBUTE TO MAJOR D. LEIGH HASSON

 Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I wish to recognize my 2012 defense 
legislative fellow, MAJ D. Leigh Hasson. Major Hasson served my office 
with distinction. From her first town hall in Fairbanks, AK, to her 
final days spent on the floor of the United States Senate as the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 was being 
considered, she demonstrated honor, integrity, leadership and 
professionalism.
  Major Hasson received her commission from the United States Air Force 
Officer Training School in January 2000. As a navigator with over 1,000 
combat flight hours, she has deployed in support of Operations Northern 
Watch, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. She has 
experience establishing and supporting major commands including the 
International Security Assistance Force Joint Command headquarters and 
Joint Forces Command. Major Hasson has been selfless in her service and 
sacrifice throughout her career.
  Her family has supported her through these deployments and her tenure 
in the Air Force. Her husband David, son Samuel and daughter Alexis 
have been by her side through it all. It is for them she serves our 
Nation--to protect what they have and to protect their future. I would 
like to thank David, Samuel and Alexis for their sacrifices in support 
of Major Hasson.
  Hailing from Trapper Creek, AK, Leigh embodies Alaska values. She is 
independent, inquisitive, a self-starter and actively involved in her 
work and community. While in my office, Leigh completed the Truman 
National Security Project Security Scholars program. She was the 
office's liaison to the Alaska State Society, she taught Bible study at 
her church and somehow she still found the time to train and run the 
Army Ten-Miler in support of our troops.
  As a defense legislative fellow, she contributed greatly to the State 
of Alaska and the Nation. She led the charge on Arctic issues because 
she recognized the increasing importance of the region. Due to her 
work, I was successful in securing report language to accompany the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 on 
appropriately resourcing the Arctic. She staffed me at numerous 
hearings and provided vital insight on a number of pressing national 
security issues.
  As a member of my team, Leigh approached each day with a positive 
attitude. Despite working in an environment where one can easily become 
discouraged by politics, Leigh never failed to smile and press forward 
in the best interest of the Nation.
  It has been a pleasure to host Major Hasson in my office. I wish her 
the best in her future endeavors and thank her for her service.

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