[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 21 (Thursday, February 4, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S667-S668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO COLONEL JEANNIE LEAVITT

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Col. 
Jeannie Leavitt on her recent selection as commander of the 57th Wing 
at Nellis Air Force Base. Colonel Leavitt is the first woman to command 
the wing, making her the highest ranking female officer to command at 
Nellis AFB. It gives me great pleasure to recognize her achievement in 
this historic moment.
  Colonel Leavitt joined the U.S. Air Force in 1992 after earning her 
bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas 
and her

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master's degree in aeronautics and astronautics from Stanford 
University. She completed pilot training at the top of her class in 
1992, kicking off the start of her successful career. Since then, she 
has logged over 300 hours of combat, serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, 
as well as Operation Southern Watch.
  In 1993, Colonel Leavitt became the first female fighter pilot and 
later the service's first woman to graduate from the Air Force Weapons 
School at Nellis AFB. In addition, in 2012, she became the Nation's 
first female fighter wing commander when she assumed command of the 4th 
Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, and 
she will now be the first woman to assume command of the 57th Wing at 
the Silver State's Nellis AFB. She is truly a role model, demonstrating 
a great amount of strength and courage.
  I extend my deepest gratitude to Colonel Leavitt for her courageous 
contributions to the United States of America. Her unwavering 
dedication to her career is commendable, and she stands as a shining 
example for future generations of heroes. Colonel Leavitt's service to 
her country and her bravery earn her a place among the outstanding men 
and women who have valiantly defended our nation.
  As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize 
that Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave 
individuals who serve our Nation, but also to ensure they are cared for 
when they return home. Equally as important, it is crucial that female 
servicemembers and veterans have access to their specific health care 
needs. There are countless distinguished women who have made sacrifices 
beyond measure and deserve nothing but the best treatment. I remain 
committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers 
in Nevada and throughout the Nation and will continue to fight until 
this becomes a reality.
  During her tenure, Colonel Leavitt has demonstrated professionalism, 
commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of 
the Air Force. I am both humbled and honored by her service and am 
proud to have such a distinguished member of the Air Force serving in 
the State of Nevada. Today I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing Colonel Leavitt for all of her accomplishments and wish her 
well in all of her future endeavors.

                          ____________________