[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 11, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    LT. COL. JAMES ``JAY'' VALLARIO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. PAUL COOK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 11, 2020

  Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Colonel 
James ``Jay'' Vallario following nearly 25 years of dedicated service 
as a United States Marine. Jay was born in San Francisco, California in 
1976. He is a graduate of Commodore Sloat Elementary School, Aptos 
Middle School, and Saint Ignatius College Preparatory. He holds a 
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from the University 
of San Diego. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in September of 
1995, and served as a Rifleman and a M1A1 tank crewman. He was 
commissioned a Second Lieutenant in April 1999, and then began active 
service.
  A career AV-8B Harrier attack pilot, Jay completed two operational 
tours with Marine Attack Squadron 311 and one with Marine Attack 
Squadron 211. He served in all departments within a Marine Attack 
Squadron including assignments as the Aviation Safety Officer, 
Airframes Officer, Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Operations Officer. 
and Executive Officer. He completed two deployments with the 31st 
Marine Expeditionary Unit, one deployment with the 15th Marine 
Expeditionary Unit, and one deployment with the 11th Marine 
Expeditionary Unit. While serving as the Air Combat Element Executive 
Officer and AV-8B Detachment Officer in Charge of the 11th Marine 
Expeditionary Unit, Jay conducted combat sorties from the USS Makin 
Island in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Enduring Freedom.
  Jay's other duties included assignment to 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 
with whom he served as a Forward Air Controller in support of Operation 
Iraqi Freedom: Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron Yuma Officer 
in Charge: and, assignment to the 55th Fighter Squadron, with whom he 
served as a Marine Exchange F-16CJ Pilot. During his United States Air 
Force exchange tour Jay deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, and 
conducted combat sorties into Libya in support of Operation Unified 
Protector. From April 2015 to February 2016, Jay served on the staff of 
the Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corps for Aviation. Jay commanded 
the AV-8B Fleet Replacement Squadron, VMAT-203, from June 2016 to 
January 2018. While in command, he was responsible for initial and 
refresher training of Marine Corps Harrier attack pilots.
  Upon relinquishing command, Jay assumed the billet of Marine Aircraft 
Group 14 Executive Officer, where he served until July 2018. From July 
2018, until his retirement on 1 April 2020, Jay was assigned to the 
Marine Corps Office of Legislative of Affairs where he served as a 
liaison to Navy Office of Legislative Affairs, and managed the Navy's 
Expeditionary Warfare, Air Warfare, Military Sealift, and F-35 
acquisition portfolios.
  Upon his retirement from active service in the United States Marine 
Corps, Jay will begin work as a Professional Staff Member on the House 
Armed Services Committee, where he will manage the readiness portfolios 
of the United States Air Force and United States Space Force.
  Jay is married to Adrianna, from Denton, Texas. They have two 
children--Maia (6), and Evan (4)--and reside in Alexandria, Virginia.
  I ask the House to join me in congratulating Lieutenant Colonel 
Vallario and his family for his service to our Nation.

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