[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 193 (Thursday, December 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF MELISSA DRISKO

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. MAC THORNBERRY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2018

  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Speaker, our nation is blessed with many 
hardworking professionals who work in the defense and intelligence 
communities, keeping our people safe and safeguarding American national 
security. Often they cannot talk about what they do, even among their 
family and close friends. And yet, some of the best and brightest in 
our country commit their lives to this dedicated service.
  One of those individuals has unfortunately been taken away from us 
too soon, but her passing enables the public to get a glimpse of the 
critical roles she has played as an outstanding leader in our 
intelligence community.
  Melissa Drisko most recently served as Deputy Director of the Defense 
Intelligence Agency. The daughter of a U.S. Army Officer, she graduated 
from University of Virginia on an ROTC scholarship and was commissioned 
as an officer in the U.S. Navy in 1981. Her assignments in the Navy 
included watch officer, intelligence officer, Soviet submarine analyst, 
and aid to the Director of Naval Intelligence, where she met her 
beloved husband, Phil Kosmacki. She went on to work at the Department 
of State and as Flag Aide to the Director of Naval Intelligence.
  Following her Naval service, Melissa continued her distinguished 
career as a civilian with leadership positions in several agencies 
including Office of Naval Intelligence, Central Intelligence Agency, 
and Office of the Director of National Intelligence. For the past 14 
years, Melissa served at the Defense Intelligence Agency, culminating 
in her position as Deputy Director.
  The Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Lieutenant General 
Ashley called Ms. Drisko ``brilliant, determined, and among the finest 
intelligence officers of her generation.'' A quiet and visionary 
leader, she encouraged others to speak their mind, always with an eye 
to the greater good.
  Melissa was known for her intelligence, her inquisitive mind, and her 
integrity. Those closest to her also recognized her kindness, her quick 
sense of humor, and her way of being fully present in any given 
situation, qualities that were woven throughout her life.
  While she was serving the nation as a national security professional, 
the center of her life was her family, as a spouse to her husband, 
Phil, and as a mom to their children, Alison, Rachel, and Jackson.
  Like most of her colleagues in the Intelligence Community, Melissa 
served humbly and selflessly, directing accolades away from herself to 
those with whom she worked. She knew that she was part of a team, and 
she made that team better. The focus of that team and the professional 
calling of Melissa's life were to protect her fellow citizens and 
defend the United States of America. That is among the highest calling 
to which any of us can devote our lives.
  Melissa passed away on November 14 after a two-year battle with 
cancer, which she faced with characteristic strength and dignity.
  Day after day, year after year, Melissa Drisko served her country, 
setting a standard of excellence that made our country safer and 
stronger. May we all draw inspiration from this full, meaningful life 
well lived. And may we all use her passing to give thanks for the 
service of such an outstanding and dedicated professional.

                          ____________________