[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 202 (Tuesday, December 1, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7136-S7137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MAJOR BRIAN LEITZKE

  Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge and honor MAJ 
Brian Leitzke for his dedicated service in the U.S. Air Force and his 
completion of the Air Force Legislative Defense Fellowship with my 
office. Major Leitzke joined my office in January of this year, where 
he served as my Defense Fellow. Previously, he served as an Air Force 
Fellow in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. As a Defense Fellow, 
Major Leitzke demonstrated a superior work ethic and tireless 
dedication to his legislative duties, making him a trusted voice and 
integral member of my defense team. Major Leitzke drafted or coauthored 
almost 40 pieces of legislation, including $45.2 billion in 
authorizations for the National Defense Authorization Act and the CARES 
Act. Additionally, he prepared for 28 hearings of the Senate Armed 
Services Committee and orchestrated

[[Page S7137]]

more than 30 engagements between Department of Defense principals, 
staff, and Members of Congress. Finally, he single-handedly championed 
the bill which granted Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe the 
President of the United States Medal of Honor Authority. As part of 
this effort, he galvanized bicameral, bipartisan support across 12 
Member offices.
  Brian is a humble professional, relentlessly focused on accomplishing 
tremendous work for our nation, as demonstrated both in my office and 
during his time in the Air Force. Prior to his current status as a 
Defense Fellow, Major Leitzke was an F-15E instructor at the USAF 
Weapons School, embracing the task of teaching the Air Force's best 
tacticians. There, he served as the wing weapons officer and was 
selected Wing Instructor of the Year. He had a career of continuous 
flying until this assignment, with combat experience in Operation 
ENDURING FREEDOM, and well over 500 instructor hours. He recently 
completed an Air University master's with ``Highest Academic 
Distinction'' and achieved a 4.0 grade point average. Major Leitzke 
demonstrated tactical acumen and extraordinary leadership ability in 
each of these challenges, including his time in the Senate.
  On behalf of the U.S. Senate and a grateful nation, I want to express 
our thanks to Major Letizke for his dedicated service to the U.S. Air 
Force, the U.S. Senate, Arkansans, and all Americans. My office has 
benefited greatly from his tireless efforts and leadership. I have no 
doubt the U.S. Air Force will continue to reap the benefits from this 
truly dedicated American. As I thank Major Leitzke for his service, I 
also thank his wonderful family, which has remained by his side for his 
years of military service. Major Leitzke resides in Woodbridge, VA, 
with his loving wife, Amanda Leitzke, and three children, Lincoln, 
Faith, and Kamali. It has been a great privilege to work with Major 
Leitzke, and I wish him the best of luck on his next assignment. Thank 
you for everything Major Brian ``Bud'' Leitzke. Continue your work 
doing ``Good things for America.'' ``Banzai!''

                          ____________________