[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 108 (Wednesday, July 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONGRATULATING MITCH HERRICK ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 6, 2016

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
retirement of Mitch Herrick, who I have been privileged to work with 
for many years.
   Mitch Herrick began his career in aviation as an air traffic 
controller in Albany County, NY. Since 2005, he has served as an air 
traffic controller at Miami Air Traffic Control Tower and Terminal 
Radar Approach. In addition to the substantial responsibilities of his 
job, Mitch has also represented the National Air Traffic Controllers 
Association (NATCA) as its local facility vice president and 
legislative representative.
   Mitch's career has had several notable highlights, including serving 
as the chair of NATCA's Realignment Committee, which works jointly with 
the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that all air traffic 
control centers are working as efficiently as possible and serving the 
appropriate regions. Additionally, Mitch was the NATCA's lead 
representative in implementing a sweeping safety program, the Standard 
Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS). Mitch worked with the 
FAA and Raytheon, a defense contractor, to upgrade the equipment that 
will keep passengers and our airspace safe.
   In recognition of his invaluable contributions to the air traffic 
controller profession, NATCA awarded Mitch with its highest legislative 
awards honor, the Trish Gilbert Legislative Activism Award, in 2013.
   In my work with Mitch, he has always proven to be straightforward, 
dependable, and honest. It is clear he has a true passion for his 
profession, and he has prioritized safety over politics and worked 
tirelessly to advance the interest of NATCA members. I am proud to be 
able to call Mitch a friend. I would like to extend my sincerest 
congratulations to Mitch on his illustrious and productive career, and 
thank him for his service both in the United States Marine Corps and as 
an air traffic controller.
   Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mitch Herrick for his 
tremendous service to the Miami community, and I ask my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

                          ____________________