[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 29, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO COMMAND CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT ERICKA E. KELLY

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                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 29, 2019

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, today I wish to recognize Command Chief 
Master Sergeant Ericka E. Kelly, upon her retirement after 32 years of 
distinguished military service to our great Nation in the United States 
Air Force and Air Force Reserve.
  Chief Kelly's career culminated with her final assignment as both the 
Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the Air Force Reserve, 
Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., and Command Chief of the 
Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. Chief Kelly 
represents the highest enlisted executive level of leadership in Air 
Force Reserve Command and advises the commander on all issues regarding 
the readiness, training, welfare, morale, proper utilization and 
progress of more than 55,000 enlisted Citizen Airmen. She also provides 
direction to the Reserve force and represents their interests at all 
levels of government to other military branches and in joint strategic 
and operational war-fighting environments.
  Chief Master Sergeant Kelly came from exceptionally humble beginnings 
in Guatemala and overcame extreme adversity to achieve her American 
dream. Immigrating to the United States at the age of 12, she had to 
work full-time to help support her family before finishing high school 
at night to earn her diploma. Knowing from a young age she wanted to 
serve in our nation's military, her dogged determination is the epitome 
of personal resilience.
  Chief Kelly's career began in the medical field as a medical services 
specialist. Recognizing her talents, the Air Force challenged her 
through increased responsibilities and she continued to grow and excel 
as an aeromedical evacuation crew member with over 1,400 flight hours 
on various airframes. Chief Kelly has deployed numerous times in 
support of contingency operations around the world including Restore 
Hope and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
  In addition to her military service, Chief Kelly has more than 20 
years of government, management and law enforcement experience. She has 
served as a field agent and criminal investigator for the Department of 
Justice in numerous agencies including the Office of Professional 
Responsibility. She is also a John Maxwell certified speaker, coach and 
trainer.
  Throughout her tenure, Chief Kelly has been instrumental in 
advocating for Reservists across the globe and strengthening the total 
force team. She has ensured Air Force Reserve interests and total force 
solutions were highlighted and incorporated into decisions made at the 
highest levels of the Air Force guaranteeing Air Force Reserve Airmen 
were ready to answer our nation's call.
  Due to Chief Master Sergeant Ericka Kelly's visionary leadership, 
foresight and ceaseless efforts, the Air Force, the Department of 
Defense, and the Nation will long reap the benefits of her many years 
of service. It is experienced, dedicated, professional Citizen Airmen 
like Chief Master Sergeant Kelly who make the Department of Defense and 
the Air Force Reserve the outstanding institutions that they are today.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress and a grateful 
Nation, I extend our deepest appreciation to Chief Master Sergeant 
Ericka E. Kelly for her many years of dedicated service. There is no 
question the Air Force, Department of Defense, and the United States 
benefited greatly from Chief Kelly's visionary leadership, planning and 
foresight, and we wish her the very best.

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