[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 69 (Monday, April 24, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES NAVY CAPTAIN MIKE STEFFEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 24, 2017

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize United States 
Navy Captain Mike Steffen and his leadership as the 11th Commanding 
Officer of Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, which is 
located in the 12th District of Texas that I represent.
  Over his naval career, Captain Steffen has served numerous 
deployments overseas--including two combat tours conducting special 
operations forward deployed in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi 
Freedom, and earned a number of decorations for his service.
  In August 2015, I was pleased to speak at the ceremony when he 
assumed command of Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, 
Texas. Captain Steffen has since worked tirelessly to grow the base and 
ensure it fully supports the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps 
commands to help them prepare for deployment around the world in these 
dangerous times. He has also done an excellent job of fostering a 
spirit of collaboration to make sure the base and the communities 
surrounding it grow and thrive.
  Fort Worth is proud of our nation's military and proud of our base. 
It's in our genes since the city started as a fort. Like Captain 
Steffen says whenever the roar of a fighter jet is heard overhead, 
``Texans love the sound of freedom.''
  Captain Steffen will be turning over command of Naval Air Station 
Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base this month on new orders. He will leave 
the base well-positioned for the future. On behalf of the people of the 
12th Congressional District of Texas, I wish him and his family fair 
winds and following seas.

                          ____________________