[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 171 (Thursday, November 19, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     PAYING TRIBUTE TO COLONEL GEORGE DeFILIPPI UPON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRADLEY BYRNE

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2015

  Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Colonel George 
DeFilippi, USAF (Ret) as he prepares to fully retire after 46 years of 
faithful government service and extraordinary dedication to duty and to 
the United States of America.
   George DeFilippi has had a fine career, including in his most recent 
role as Head, Congressional Support Branch in the Office of the 
Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller). 
I would like to share with you some highlights.
   George DeFilippi graduated from the United States Air Force Academy 
in 1969. Following graduation, he honorably served his nation on active 
duty for the next 30 years spanning many key leadership positions. From 
1986 to 1991, George was the Commanding Officer of the 23rd Tactical 
Air Support Unit out of Davis Monthan AFB, where he was responsible for 
consolidating the forward air control training for all Air Force and 
Marine Corps operational units.
   His next assignment was to serve as the Commander/Air Liaison 
Officer with the U.S. Army (XVII Airborne Corps) and Republic of 
Korea's Third Army, leading a 250-person unit integrating aviation 
assets into army operations. From 1993 to 1999 George reported to the 
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition & Technology) and 
was responsible for the oversight of a $4 billion tactical fighter and 
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle programs. He later went on to serve as the 
Chief of Staff within OUSD (AT&L) continuing to provide oversight for 
major defense acquisition programs.
   Upon completing 30 years of active duty service within the United 
States Air Force, George retired from active duty but continued to 
serve his country through the civilian sector. From 1999-2010, he 
worked within the Cobham Life Support Division as well as Government 
Relations promoting life support products to the U.S. Armed Forces.
   In 2010, George DeFilippi reported to his current assignment as 
Head, Congressional Support Branch, Navy Appropriations Matters Office 
where he helped the Department of the Navy achieve their financial and 
legislative goals. For five years, George DeFilippi has demonstrated 
exceptional leadership and foresight, engaging Members of the 
Appropriations Committee and its staff to provide information essential 
to resourcing the Navy for its role as the world's dominant sea power. 
In an increasingly difficult budget environment, George DeFilippi 
provided essential support in shepherding Navy budgets through the 
appropriations process. George served our nation with integrity, 
insight and dedication.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation, I join my colleagues 
today in saying thank you to George DeFilippi for his extraordinary 
dedication to duty and steadfast service to this country throughout his 
distinguished career in the United States Air Force as well as his 
public service and we wish him and his wife Patricia the very best in 
his well-deserved retirement.

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