[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 6, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 5 DAVID HAMMON

 Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the remarkable career of CW5 David Hammon, a 42-year servicemember of 
the Illinois Army National Guard who will retire on April 30, 2022. 
Chief Hammon was the fifth command chief warrant officer of the State 
of Illinois and only the third full-time soldier to hold the position.
  Chief Hammon enlisted in the Army as an aircraft mechanic in 1980. He 
served with the 219th Transportation Company, 40th Aviation Battalion 
(Attack Helicopter), 1144th Transportation Battalion, and 1st 
Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment. In 1996, he became an aviation 
warrant officer with the 106th. He served in various units and 
positions, to include aviation intermediate maintenance, light medium 
transportation, lift, and aviation unit maintenance. His latest 
assignment was as a maintenance test pilot for Company D, 1st 
Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Decatur, flying the UH-60 
Blackhawk. Chief Hammon deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi 
Freedom/New Dawn. In 2004 to 2005, he deployed with Headquarters, 1st 
Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment, and in 2009 to 2010, he deployed 
with Company A, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment. His overseas 
deployment training missions include Germany, El Salvador, Panama, 
Iceland, and Hawaii.
  Chief Hammon's military awards and decorations include Meritorious 
Service Medal, Air Medal (Numeral 2), Army Commendation Medal (3 
oakleaf clusters), National Defense Service Medal (1 Bronze Star), Iraq 
Campaign Medal (3 Bronze Service Stars), Global War on Terrorism 
Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal 
(M 2 Device), Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 2), Army Reserve 
Component Overseas Training Ribbon (Numeral 7), Illinois State Active 
Duty (Numeral 2), Army Combat Action Badge, Master Army Aviator Badge, 
Army Excellence in Competition Badge Bronze Rifle, Driver and Mechanic 
Badge.
  Chief Hammon's leadership, determination, and commitment have no 
doubt changed lives and helped to make our country safer. As his Army 
career ends, may he continue to be ``Always Ready, Always There!'' and 
forever take pride in knowing that his exemplary efforts and unwavering 
professionalism contributed greatly to the success of the Army and the 
National Guard mission.

                          ____________________