[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 18, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2571-S2572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL ANTHONY V. SANTINO

  Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a great American and 
an exceptional member of the United States Air Force. On this occasion, 
I believe it is fitting to recognize Lt. Col. Anthony ``Tony'' 
Santino's distinguished service and dedication to fostering the 
relationship between the U.S. Air Force and this Chamber.
  Lieutenant Colonel Santino has distinguished himself through his 
professional character and leadership by serving this Nation in 
uniform. A leader and expert communicator, he has provided exemplary 
service to our country while assigned to the Air Force Senate Liaison 
Office. Tony is a senior missileer, operating at the highest levels of 
America's nuclear enterprise, ensuring the United States and its allies 
are strategically prepared to defend this great nation from external 
threats.

[[Page S2572]]

  Prior to his current assignment, Tony had the privilege of being an 
Air Force fellow for Representative Liz Cheney. In addition to his 
numerous and impressive professional accomplishments, it is worth 
noting he flawlessly balanced his duties, evidenced by his ability to 
allocate personal time to selflessly volunteer as local neighborhood 
math tutor, where Tony's enthusiastic service empowered DC youth and 
inspired community partnership. His passion for not only the 
organization he works for but also the community in which he resides is 
unrivaled.
  As a legislative liaison in the Air Force Senate Liaison Office from 
November 2019 to May 2021, Lieutenant Colonel Santino expertly 
performed his duties without reservation. His strategic thinking and 
strategic foresight helped to strengthen and improve our national 
security. Tony accomplished this by utilizing his in depth Air Force 
knowledge with numerous engagements between Congress and the Department 
of the Air Force. During this assignment, Tony conducted congressional 
engagements to provide Members of Congress and staff insights into the 
Air Force we need and Air Force required to support the national 
defense strategy. Tony transformed congressional engagement norms 
amidst coronavirus limitations, leading more than 40 remote and virtual 
engagements between Air Force senior leaders and U.S. Senators, 
exponentially increasing trust and mutual understanding.
  Tony's innovative efforts and trusted credibility on Capitol Hill 
enabled the passage of foundational legislation in support of Air Force 
priorities, securing more than $170 billion in annual requirements and 
directly contributing to the stand-up of the United States Space Force. 
All of these conversations and engagements helped stakeholders 
understand the defense equities and impact on national security. Tony 
remained engaged with Members of Congress to ensure all were informed, 
advised, and educated on initiatives important to the Air Force and the 
citizens of this great country. Due to his direct involvement and 
stewardship, Members of Congress were able to make informed decisions 
and ensure the Department of the Air Force was properly resourced and 
funded.
  After concluding this challenging assignment, Lieutenant Colonel 
Santino will move to his next duty station at Vandenberg AFB, where he 
will be the director of operations for the 576th Flight Test Squadron. 
Tony has sacrificed much in service to our Nation. I am eternally 
thankful for Tony's selfless service and superb work with my office and 
the Senate over the past 18 months on issues important to the State of 
Iowa and this great Nation. I salute this American patriot whose 
selfless service has kept our country safe and strong.

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