[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 195 (Tuesday, December 11, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO MASTER SERGEANT SCOTT ``SMASH'' STURTZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. AUSTIN SCOTT

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 11, 2018

  Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, after more than twenty-one 
years of exceptional service to our Nation, Master Sergeant Scott A. 
Sturtz, United States Air Force, will soon retire from his position as 
First Sergeant of the 461st Operations Support Squadron, Robins Air 
Force Base, Georgia.
   Master Sergeant Sturtz enlisted in 1997. After basic training, he 
learned to load weapons on F-15s and to perform maintenance on armament 
systems. He was initially assigned to the Chiefs of 335 Fighter 
Squadron and then the 4th Operations Support Squadron at Seymour 
Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina. Career highlights during this 
period include being selected as a member of the premiere loading crew 
that performed nuclear load for evaluation by nuclear surety 
inspectors. Additionally, he was selected for promotion Below-the-Zone 
to Senior Airman. In 2002, he was transferred to the 51st Maintenance 
Operations Squadron in the Republic of Korea working with A-10C 
aircraft and he became one of the first airmen in the country certified 
to load the GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition on the F-16. He 
returned to Seymour Johnson and was assigned to the 4th Aircraft 
Maintenance Squadron, where he served in units with the Chiefs, the 
World Famous Rocketeers, and the Eagles. His vast duties included end 
of runway operations, supervising weapons load crews on twenty-two 
aircraft munitions, weapons load crew chief, weapons expediter, non-
commissioned officer in charge, and unit deployment manager where he 
was responsible for directing mobility activities for 900 personnel in 
support of contingency operations across the globe. In 2015, through a 
rigorous process he was selected as a First Sergeant and served in the 
16th Airborne Command and Control Squadron at Robins Air Force Base, 
Georgia.
   Master Sergeant Sturtz has deployed around the world in his sworn 
duty to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. His 
deployments include Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, where his actions led to 
the delivery of 4,500 pounds of guided bombs during the Second Battle 
of Fallujah, and a Middle East deployment where his efforts resulted in 
the successful visit of President George W. Bush to the area of 
operation. Additionally, he has deployed for Operation ALLIED FORCE, 
Operation NEW DAWN, and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
   Currently Master Sergeant Sturtz is First Sergeant of the 461st 
Operation Support Squadron and is responsible for advising the group 
commander and two squadron commanders on health, welfare, and 
professional development for 249 Air Force personnel.
   It is a pleasure to recognize Master Sergeant Sturtz's successful 
and decorated career. On behalf of a grateful nation, I commend Master 
Sergeant Sturtz for his service, selfless dedication, and contributions 
to the security of the United States of America. I also wish to 
recognize the sacrifices and contributions made by Master Sergeant 
Sturtz's son, Jackson, his wife, Gina Sclafani, and her daughter, 
Sofia. His parents, Mrs. Delores K. Sturtz and United States Marine 
Corps Vietnam Veteran, Mr. Stuart A. Sturtz have supported their son 
throughout his twenty years of faithful service. We are a nation 
indebted to veterans, service members, and military families who give 
so much to defend our Constitution and way of life. I extend my best 
wishes to Master Sergeant Sturtz and his family on the occasion of his 
retirement.

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