[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 212 (Wednesday, December 8, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9042-S9043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL CHRIS RYAN

  Mr. PORTMAN. Madam President, I rise today to honor an exceptional 
member of the U.S. Air Force. I am proud to enter this tribute into the 
Record as I have had the pleasure of traveling with Chris to London and 
Ukraine and saw firsthand his professionalism, leadership, and 
dedication to duty.
  Lt. Col. Christopher ``Chris'' Ryan has distinguished himself through 
his professional character and dedication by serving this Nation in 
uniform. A leader and expert communicator, he has provided 
distinguished service to our country while assigned to the Air Force 
Senate Liaison Office. He is an outstanding leader and the perfect 
airman to represent the Air Force on Capitol Hill. Chris has served in 
the Air Force for over 20 years in both the enlisted and officer ranks. 
As an aircraft maintenance officer, Chris has led thousands of 
maintainers in support of the AC-130H, C-17A, KC-135R, and C-5M 
aircraft.
  Throughout his career, Chris has demonstrated his exceptional 
abilities; he was the 1997 Airman of the Year at Joint Base Andrews and 
recipient of the John Levitow Award in 2000. Chris was both 
distinguished graduate for the ROTC Detachment 330 at the University of 
Maryland-College Park and at the Advanced Maintenance and Munitions 
Operations School. Further, Chris was recognized as the 2019 Secretary 
of the Air Force, Legislative Liaison Reserve Officer of the Year. 
Prior to his current assignment, Chris had the privilege of being 
selected as an Air Force Legislative Fellow where he was detailed to 
the Congressional Research Service and then worked for my dear 
colleague, the senior Senator from Oklahoma and then-chairman of the 
Armed Services Committee in 2018.
  As a legislative liaison in the Air Force Senate Liaison Office from 
December 2018 to December 2021, Lieutenant Colonel Ryan performed his 
duties well and without reservation supporting the 115th, 116th, and 
117th U.S. Congresses. His strategic thinking and foresight helped to 
strengthen and improve our national security. Chris accomplished this 
utilizing his in-depth

[[Page S9043]]

Air Force knowledge with numerous engagements between Congress and the 
Department of the Air Force.
  Chris expertly conveyed Department of the Air Force positions on the 
Air Force Future Design that included the future bomber, tanker, and 
fighter force. Chris' direct support provided the U.S. Senate critical 
information necessary for three National Defense Authorization Acts. 
His efforts helped establish the U.S. Space Force, ensure the 
confirmation of the 25th and 26th Air Force Secretaries, the 22nd Air 
Force Chief of Staff, and ensured the Department of the Air Force 
support of the National Defense Strategy in our return to Great Power 
Competition.
  Lieutenant Colonel Ryan planned and led delegations for Members of 
Congress on visits all over the world to include the bicameral 
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Reagan 
National Defense Forum. In fact, Chris escorted me to the United 
Kingdom and Ukraine in 2019. Chris' significant efforts led to 
successful engagements between this governing body and senior 
Department of Defense Officials, including the Secretary of the Air 
Force. All of these engagements helped U.S. Senators understand defense 
equities and their impact on national security. 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 serving in this vital role for the past 3 years and becoming a 
fixture on Capitol Hill, Lieutenant Colonel Ryan will move to his next 
assignment, as deputy group commander, 514th Maintenance Group, located 
at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Chris, his wife Rachel--the chief 
of staff for the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification, and Compliance 
at the Department of State--and their children Joshua, Kathrine, and 
Emma have sacrificed much as a family in service to our Nation. I am 
thankful for Chris' service and his work with my office and the Senate 
over the past 3 years on issues important to this great Nation. I 
salute this American patriot whose selfless service has kept our 
country safe and strong.

                          ____________________