[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 38 (Monday, March 4, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S1618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      TRIBUTE TO COLONEL IAN BRYAN

 Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, today I honor Col. Ian Bryan of 
the Tennessee Air National Guard for his outstanding service to our 
country and congratulate him on his retirement from the U.S. Air Force. 
Colonel Bryan has worked closely with me, the Appropriations Committee, 
and across Capitol Hill to inform and advise Congress so that we may 
ensure a strong and ready National Guard. He has also helped the 
Pentagon work more productively with Congress, promoting a strong 
national defense.
  Colonel Bryan has distinguished himself through his professional 
character and dedication to serving this Nation in the military for 
over 25 years. He has done so selflessly. He has quietly, but 
tenaciously advocated for the Chief of the National Guard Bureau's 
priorities to make the National Guard a ready, capable force for 
operations both in the homeland and overseas.
  As the Chief of the programs division in the National Guard Bureau 
Office of Legislative Liaison from April 2017 to February 2019, Colonel 
Bryan performed his duties deftly. His strategic-level thinking and 
foresight contributed to the completion of numerous high-level 
engagements between the National Guard and Congress. He was vital in 
the establishment of the first ever National Guard liaison office in 
the Senate, greatly increasing the communication between the National 
Guard and Congress.
  Colonel Bryan is a 1990 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, with 
masters from The Ohio State University, and a law degree from the 
University of Virginia. He has served as a KC-135 Pilot, professor at 
the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, air team leader in the 
National Guard Bureau, Office of Legislative Liaison, and as a division 
chief at the Air National Guard Readiness Center.
  After serving in his latest role for the past 2 years, Colonel Bryan 
will retire at the end of the month. Ian, his supportive wife Emily, 
and their two children have sacrificed much as a family in service to 
our Nation. I join my colleagues today in congratulating Colonel Bryan 
on his well-earned retirement and in expressing our gratitude for his 
selfless service.

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