[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 208 (Thursday, December 2, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8907-S8908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL RENETTE HILTON

  Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate and thank Air 
Force Lt. Col. Renette Hilton. Renette has been serving as a Department 
of Defense fellow in my office this year, and she has been an asset to 
the people of Arizona and the U.S. Congress.
  Arizona is home to key parts of the U.S. Air Force working every day 
to keep our Nation safe and secure. Luke Air Force Base is home to the 
world's largest fighter wing, the 56th Fighter Wing, where they train 
on and operate the F-35 Lightning. The F-35 is America's preeminent 
fifth-generation fighter. Luke Air Force Base also trains pilots for 
our partner nations, strengthening or relationship with and the 
security of our allies. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is similarly 
critical to our national security. Davis-Monthan has a diverse mission 
that includes search and rescue, Air Force Southern Command, electronic 
warfare, and the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group. Arizona 
also has one of the most capable Air National Guard units in the 
country. They organize the busiest aerial refueling operation and 
continue to innovate to stay on the cutting edge of Air Force 
capabilities.

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  In the year she has worked in my office, Renette has become an 
essential member of the team and a valued connection to the Air Force. 
She has worked with my policy team to host over 30 meetings with 
Arizona constituents on a range of topics related to the Nation's 
defense. She has assisted in making informed recommendations on 
confirmation votes, cosponsorships, and hearing preparations. She has 
helped us draft thoughtful and influential policy that I know will help 
the servicemembers and families of Arizona. Renette has been a 
steadfast protector of Arizona military missions and communities.
  Moreover, Renette went above and beyond to adapt to dynamic staffing 
in my office. She led our defense team for several months, including 
coordinating with a legislative correspondent, policy aide, and our 
defense outreach team across three geographically dislocated offices. 
In this role, she planned, organized, and directed a staff delegation 
to multiple bases throughout Arizona and engaged with senior leaders in 
the military, as well as business, academic, and community 
stakeholders. She also successfully supported my requests to the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.
  I am incredibly proud of the work accomplished by Lieutenant Colonel 
Hilton throughout this challenging year. She has set an outstanding 
example for others, and my team and I will miss her.

                          ____________________