[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 212 (Wednesday, December 8, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S9035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GRACE MILLER

  Mr. MORAN. Madam President, I am here tonight to take a moment to 
recognize the contributions of a member of my staff, Air Force Maj. 
Grace Miller, who has spent the last year working in my personal office 
as part of the U.S. Air Force Congressional Fellowship Program.
  Before Grace departs my office at the start of the new year, I 
express my appreciation to Major Miller for all of her tremendously 
beneficial and hard work and her dedication to the service of our 
Nation.
  Grace's 15 years of service in the U.S. Air Force developed her 
leadership capabilities and demonstrate her commitment to serving 
others. These attributes have made her an invaluable asset to our team 
as we work to serve Kansans, servicemembers, and veterans.
  Before joining my office, Grace's assignments took her around the 
world in service to our country. Grace earned her commission from the 
University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. As an aircraft maintenance 
officer, Grace has served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation 
Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve, taking her across the 
Middle East.
  Major Miller's commitment to service also extends to teaching. She 
taught English at the U.S. Air Force Academy, earning her the academic 
rank of assistant professor and serving as executive officer to the 
dean of the faculty.
  Grace joined our team in January of this year. She, since then, has 
fully embraced Kansas, its people, and the challenges they face day in 
and day out. Grace's personal interactions with Kansans and Kansas 
veterans, in particular, have helped drive meaningful policy in a time 
when our past and present servicemembers have needed it the most.
  She has spearheaded the Senate passage of the ``Six Triple Eight'' 
Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021, which recognizes the 6888th 
Central Postal Directory Battalion--the only all-African-American, all-
female battalion to be deployed overseas during World War II. The 6888, 
as this battalion has come to be known, sorted millions of pieces of 
backlogged mail so troops serving on the frontlines could hear from 
their families and loved ones from home. Their efforts boosted morale 
and directly contributed to our servicemembers' fighting spirit, 
particularly toward the end of the war.
  Grace has been a tireless advocate for these women, and I commend her 
dedication. The bill currently awaits passage in the House.
  Furthermore, throughout the chaotic and disastrous withdrawal from 
Afghanistan, Grace was an indispensable resource for veterans and 
Afghan refugees. She continues to assist innocent Afghans seeking 
refuge from the Taliban's tyrannical hold on the country.
  I want to highlight her efforts in this regard. She was tireless and 
was here morning, noon, and night--always with the goal of trying to 
make sure those who should be on a plane out of Afghanistan were able 
to be so. It was an emotional issue and a trying issue and something 
that she never conceded: the belief that she couldn't make a 
difference. Man, she made a difference in so many people's lives. It 
gives me the chills to tell the story of her dedication to this cause. 
I am so grateful; many Kansans are grateful; many Americans are 
grateful that she cared so much.
  I will be sad that she will be leaving our office at the end of the 
month, but I know that she will serve the Air Force well as she 
transitions to the Air Force Legislative Liaison Office in the House of 
Representatives.
  It was a real pleasure having Grace in our office, and I hold her in 
the highest regard personally and professionally. She is a significant 
asset to our Nation and to the U.S. Air Force. Grace represents the 
best of what the Air Force has to offer, and I know she will continue 
to benefit the future of our Nation.
  I hope that her experience in our office is something that lends 
itself toward her further professional advancement within the Air Force 
and an understanding of our democratic process.
  There is no group of people I hold in higher regard than those who 
serve our Nation, and I want to reiterate my gratitude to Grace for her 
service and dedication.
  Once again, thank you, Grace, for all you have done for Kansans and 
for Americans in the year that you have spent in our office. You have 
been a model of selfless service and leadership. I know that you will 
continue to do great things throughout your Air Force career and your 
life of service, wherever that path may lead.
  Grace, thank you so much.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The junior Senator from Alaska.

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