[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 212 (Wednesday, December 8, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1339-E1340]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF MAJOR AARON GADBOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 8, 2021

  Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major Aaron 
Gadbois, who will be leaving my office after a year of distinguished 
service to the people of Texas Congressional District 12.
  Aaron joined my office in January 2021 through the Department of 
Defense (DOD) Legislative Fellowship Program. This highly selective 
program assigns servicemembers to congressional offices for one year, 
allowing them the opportunity to gain valuable legislative experience 
and contribute to the work of Congress. Demand for DOD Fellows always 
outstrips supply, so offices must compete to be assigned one. I was 
lucky to be assigned a Fellow of Aaron's caliber.
  Aaron has a tremendous record of service. At 17, he enlisted in the 
Air National Guard and was assigned to the 114th Fighter Wing, South 
Dakota Air National Guard, before later joining the ``Capital 
Guardians'' of the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, 
where he earned his commission. In recent years, he served in missions 
to the Korean Peninsula, the Philippine Islands and Poland, and after 
completing his service in my office, Aaron will return to the 113th 
Wing, where he will continue his service to our Nation.
  Aaron is one of six children of Barb and Larry Gadbois--in a family 
that epitomizes the Air National Guard's citizen service member ideal. 
Remarkably, all six Gadbois siblings served, or are currently serving, 
in the Air National Guard. A proud South Dakotan, Aaron loves the 
outdoors. His passion for hunting and fishing is clear to anyone who 
has taken a virtual meeting with him and noticed the trophies that 
adorn his home office.
  With a Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota State University 
and a Master of Business Administration degree from Southwest Minnesota 
State University, he has earned impressive civilian qualifications that 
have served him well from the private sector to his service as a full-
time, active duty member of the Air National Guard.
  The Appropriations Committee can be a daunting environment for a 
Fellow to enter, but Aaron took to his work methodically and 
enthusiastically, relishing the opportunity to expand his knowledge and 
contribute to the legislative process. Aaron had a leg up in his wife 
Stephanie, a veteran Committee staff member. I suspect she may be 
partially responsible for his quick learning curve in the intricacies 
of the appropriations process. Additionally, Texas's 12th District is 
home to numerous DOD priorities including the F-35 program, Naval Air 
Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, and thousands of Active, Guard, 
and Reserve servicemembers. Aaron quickly built a relationship with 
these entities, mastered their issues, and was essential in helping me 
fight for them.
  Aaron made a great impact on his fellow staff members. He brought to 
my office a level head, hard-earned wisdom, and a genuine desire to 
mentor and learn from his coworkers. He integrated seamlessly into the 
team, joining us for our staff retreat and getting to know

[[Page E1340]]

not just his colleagues in my Washington office, but the district-based 
staff in Fort Worth as well. Aaron will be missed for his work, but 
even more for his presence as a colleague.
  On behalf of Texas' 12th Congressional District, I offer Aaron a 
heartfelt thank you and best wishes for the future.

                          ____________________