[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 173 (Wednesday, January 2, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S8664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    TRIBUTE TO MAJOR MATT C. HASSON

 Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, on the occasion to mark his 
completion of his service as an Air Force Fellow here in the United 
States Senate and subsequent transfer to the Pentagon, I wish to 
recognize Maj. Matt C. Hasson for his outstanding service to our 
country. In his 2012 assignment as an Air Force Fellow, he served as a 
member of my staff.
  Major Hasson was born in Camden, NJ. He graduated from Greenway High 
School in Phoenix, AZ, in 1990. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in 
politics from Arizona State University and a master's degree in mass 
communications from San Diego State University. He is also a graduate 
of Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officers School, and the Air 
Force Legislative Fellows program. Major Hasson has vast experience in 
the Middle East and Asia-Pacific region as well as a tour in Operation 
IRAQI FREEDOM.
  In 1992, Major Hasson enlisted in the Air Force and completed basic 
training at Lackland AFB, TX. During his 6-year enlisted tour, he 
served as a firefighter at March AFB, CA and Charleston AFB, SC. 
Following completion of the Air Force ROTC program at San Diego State 
University, Major Hasson received his commission in 2000. From there, 
Major Hasson was assigned as the deputy chief for public affairs at 
Whiteman AFB, MO. Following his outstanding service at Whiteman AFB, he 
was promoted to chief of public affairs and reassigned to Fairchild 
AFB, WA. From there, the Air Force decided to send him to San Diego 
State University for an advanced degree.
  After attaining his graduate degree, Major Hasson received an 
assignment as chief of executive outreach at U.S. Central Command, 
MacDill AFB, FL. Major Hasson was there at a crucial juncture for the 
leaders at CENTCOM and did an outstanding job. He also served on 
several overseas deployments.
  Following his assignment at CENTCOM, Major Hasson was sent to U.S. 
Pacific Command, in my home state of Hawaii. He was named the chief of 
new media for the command. Major Hasson thrived in his job as well as a 
member of the greater community in Hawaii. I was thrilled when I found 
out that he was assigned to my staff here in Washington, DC.
  In 2012, Major Hasson was competitively selected to serve as an Air 
Force legislative fellow, and served in my Washington, DC office. He 
worked primarily on defense and veterans issues and made outstanding 
contributions in helping with my work on the Senate Veterans Affairs 
Committee as well as the Senate Armed Services Committee. His knowledge 
and work ethic were invaluable for me and my staff. While he primarily 
worked national security and veterans issues, Major Hasson also 
volunteered to do work in other areas including banking and health.
  Matt has proven himself as an outstanding officer and leader. My 
office was better off for his efforts and I was happy that he was 
assigned to my office. Mahalo nui loa for his service. I wish him 
continued success in his career and a hui hou.

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