[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 99 (Wednesday, May 27, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E491-E492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING COLONEL THOMAS G. FALZARANO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 27, 2020

  Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Colonel 
Thomas G. Falzarano, USAF, who passed away on May 12, 2020 after a 
lifetime of distinguished service to his country. Colonel Falzarano was 
a devoted husband, a caring father, a leader of character, and a 
champion for our nation's ideals.
  Thomas G. Falzarano was born September 20, 1972 in Nashua, New 
Hampshire to George Marshall and Joan Denise (Campagnone) Falzarano. 
Growing up with five siblings meant that he had to hone his competitive 
spirit and leadership skills early. Such skills prompted him to seek an 
appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, which he acquired.
  His career in the Air Force shaped Colonel Falzarano's personal 
leadership style. His three R's (Respect, Readiness, and 
Responsibility) complimented the service values of the Air Force. His 
embodiment of these characteristics was seen in every sphere of his 
life. None more prevalent, however, than the relationship that he had 
with his wife Stacey and children Trevor, Spencer, Michael, Thomas, and 
Valentina.
  Competence in every aspect of the profession of arms is a moral 
obligation for those accepting a commission. For those under his 
command, Colonel Falzarano set the example of virtue, honor, 
patriotism, and service. He did not take lightly the responsibility of 
mentoring, inspiring, and challenging the sons and daughters entrusted 
to him. His strategic assignments and personal decorations after

[[Page E492]]

graduating the Air Force Academy in 1994 speak to his proficiency and 
exemplary performance as an Officer.
  His personal decorations and career advancement paled in comparison, 
however, to the pride he exhibited when speaking about the Airman he 
was fortunate enough to lead. He met with spouses and families 
throughout the 21st Space Wing--ensuring their voices and concerns were 
heard. He took time to mentor Airmen under his charge; he listened to 
squadron commanders, group commanders and first sergeants in order to 
fully understand the needs and concerns of the Airmen. Regardless of 
rank, he met and followed up with every individual seeking his 
expertise.
  He embodied the aspects of servant leadership. He made it a point to 
learn the job of everyone under his command so that, when the time 
came, he could advocate on their behalf. This included standing 
shoulder to shoulder with Airmen of the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron 
filling potholes, shadowing security forces throughout his area of 
operations, suiting up with EOD to participate in a bomb simulation; 
meeting with the space operators from the 10th Space Warning Squadron 
and the many Air Force civilians that made the mission possible. He 
took time to speak with, listen to, and thank everyone from the 
commissary bagger staff to the public affairs team that allowed his 
Airmen to focus on their task at hand. Colonel Falzarano believed that 
the entire 21st Space Wing family had a role to play, and if he could 
invest in the lives of those under his charge, the Airmen would have 
exponential success in their mission. He was a Commander that 
understood the impact his physical presence had on the units he led and 
made the well-being of his Airmen a priority.
  Through his character, competence, and leadership, he made a 
difference in the lives of everyone with whom he came in contact. 
Colonel Falzarano's positive impact throughout the enlisted, 
commissioned, and civilian ranks will have a ripple effect on Air Force 
leadership for generations to come. It was a privilege to have met 
Colonel Falzarano and it is an honor to recognize his incredible life.

                          ____________________