[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE SERVICE OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL THOMAS A. BUSSIERE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2020

  Mr. YOUNG. Madam Speaker, I am deeply honored to express my gratitude 
to Lieutenant General Thomas A. Bussiere for his years of dedicated 
service to the United States of America, the Air Force, and the great 
state of Alaska.
   As Commander of Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command 
Region, Alaskan Command, and Eleventh Air Force, at Joint Base 
Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, he is responsible for the integration of 
all military activities in the Alaskan joint operations area, 
operations to defend North American air sovereignty from foreign 
military aviation incursions, and the planning and execution of all 
homeland defense operations within the area of responsibility.
   In 1935 Brigadier General Billy Mitchell stated, ``I believe that in 
the future, whoever holds Alaska will hold the world. I think it is the 
most important strategic place in the world.'' Since taking command in 
August 2018, General Bussiere has expanded upon General Mitchell's 
sentiment and has become a tireless advocate for Alaska and Arctic 
readiness. So much so that he is the first Alaskan Command Commander to 
be designated as the USNORTHCOM Lead for Arctic Affairs.
   Since graduating from the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps 
at Norwich University in 1985, General Bussiere has exemplified what it 
means to be an American Airman. However, he is more than the stars on 
his shoulders and the wings and ribbons on his chest that illustrate 
his military career. General Bussiere has also endeared himself to 
Alaska's communities. Additionally, he has continued to work with and 
advocate for Alaska Natives. In a show of respect, three Native 
communities bestowed Native names upon him; giving him the Inupiat name 
of Alongnonnuq, the Yup'ik name Evuneq, and the Tlingit name 
Litseenikaa.
   On January 13, 2020, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper announced 
that the President nominated General Bussiere for assignment as Deputy 
Commander, U.S. Strategic Command. While I am saddened to see him leave 
Alaska, I am proud that he will continue serving as a sentinel for our 
Nation.

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