[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 159 (Tuesday, September 15, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S5601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                     Tribute to Colonel Scott Grant

  Mr. JONES. Madam President, one of the great privileges that I have 
enjoyed as a U.S. Senator and a member of the Senate Armed Services 
Committee has been the opportunity to get to know and support our men 
and women in uniform. I have been proud to represent the people of the 
great State of Alabama, a State where patriotism runs deep and for whom 
service is a way of life.
  Col. Scott Grant, U.S. Air Force, is a perfect example. Colonel Grant 
retired this summer, and since I was not able to attend his retirement 
ceremony this past Saturday, I decided I would say here what I wanted 
to say there, in the hangar in Birmingham, AL, where he had spent the 
last few years of his career.
  Colonel Grant retired as the commander of the 117th Air Refueling 
Wing, Alabama Air National Guard, Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard 
Base in Birmingham, AL.
  The 117th was the first military installation that I visited after my 
election in 2017 and swearing-in, in January of 2018. I can tell you, 
at that first visit, Colonel Grant set a pretty high bar for the future 
visits I would have to the many other military installations in 
Alabama, and we have quite a few. He set a high bar for those I would 
meet later because of his dedication to his unit, to his mission, and 
to the men and women he commanded.
  It was immediately apparent--his dedication and professionalism--and 
it has guided his every decision in all our interactions over the next 
2\1/2\ years. Scott's unwavering commitment to excellence earned him 
the respect of all those who served with him, but his genuine love for 
the men and women who served under his command earned him their 
affection. In other words, Col. Scott Grant had and has his priorities 
in order, and everyone who knew him and met him could see that 
immediately.
  In 2019, the 117th won STRATCOM's Omaha Trophy. The Omaha Trophy is 
one of the most prestigious awards in the military. It was the first 
time that an Air National Guard unit had received this prestigious 
award. Then STRATCOM Commander Gen. John Hyten said: ``The Omaha Trophy 
represents the best of the best in units executing strategic 
deterrence.''
  The 117th won in the area of strategic aircraft for their many 
missions around the world protecting America. It was an award that the 
unit and Colonel Grant richly deserved. I was really honored to be 
present at that awards ceremony, and I can remember, as Brigadier 
General Stevenson said: ``To put it simply, the 117th Air Refueling 
Wing was the most outstanding in their Nuclear Operational Readiness 
Inspection and their dedication to the mission itself. As a traditional 
guard unit, but with a total force, they have accomplished unique tasks 
and in an innovative way that we absolutely need to meet future 
challenges that STRATCOM faces.'' True to form, in his acceptance 
speech, Scott gave the credit to the men and women in his command.
  With 7,000 military flight hours, Scott's deployments have spanned 
the globe, and his awards and decorations are almost too numerous to 
list. Here are just a few: the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the 
Meritorious Service Medal with two oakleaf clusters, Air Medal with 
seven oakleaf clusters, Aerial Achievement Medal with two oakleaf 
clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and two oakleaf 
clusters, Combat Readiness Medal with 10 oakleaf clusters, National 
Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star, the Southwest Asia Service 
Medal with three Bronze Stars, the Kosovo Campaign Medal with one 
Bronze Star, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one Bronze Star, the 
Iraq Campaign Medal with one Bronze Star, the Humanitarian Service 
Medal, the Alabama National Emergency Service Medal and Service Medal 
with one device, the Alabama Special Service Medal--and the list just 
goes on and on.
  We could be here all night, but I will stop there and just say that, 
rated as a command pilot and an instructor, Colonel Grant has been 
described as a pilot's pilot, one from whom you learn something every 
time you fly with him.
  So it is good news for the Air Force. The good-news-bad-news story: 
The bad news is the retirement from the 117th, but the good news is, in 
his retirement, Colonel Grant is going to continue training airmen on 
the KC-135 simulators in Oklahoma.
  Scott, you have served your country with honor and distinction, and 
you are a credit to the State of Alabama and the United States of 
America. It is my great honor to call you a friend. Thank you.
  Congratulations on an outstanding career. Best wishes for clear skies 
in retirement, and although I did not serve in the military, I salute 
you, sir.