[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 141 (Friday, September 2, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E898]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT ANDREW J. PIEHL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 2, 2022

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, l rise today to honor an outstanding 
leader and warrior, Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Andrew J. Piehl on 
the occasion of his retirement from the United States Air Force 
Reserve. Chief Piehl is the 349th Air Mobility Wing Cyber Operations 
Superintendent at Travis Air Force Base in California, and has served 
his nation for more than 35 years of selfless duty.
  Chief Piehl started his career as a vehicle operator in 1987, 
stationed in Texas and Italy. Just three years later, he deployed in 
support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, answering our 
country's call to face down tyranny in response to Iraq's invasion and 
annexation of Kuwait. Since then, this proud son of Vacaville, 
California, served with distinction at Air Force bases across the globe 
and devoted his life to the service of our great Nation.
  In his final job before retirement, he was the principal enlisted 
advisor for cyber warfighters at the largest tenant wing in Air Force 
Reserve Command, ensuring airmen were mission-ready to provide dynamic 
and integrated network defense capabilities, systems management, 
technical support, and financial management. Chief Piehl was an 
exceptional senior enlisted leader living by the core values of 
``Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.'' 
He always put his airmen and their needs first.
  In addition to Chief Piehl's service, his wife Grace also selflessly 
served in the Air Force Reserve as a Senior Master Sergeant. She 
devoted her life to their two children, Shelby and AJ. In all that we 
do, may we reflect on the many sacrifices of our dual military families 
and their tireless devotion to duty. I cannot overstate the importance 
of the support that spouses and families provide to their service 
members in our Armed Forces. Service and sacrifice are not limited to 
just the service member, but often extend to the entire family. On 
behalf of the U.S. Congress and a grateful Nation, we thank Grace, 
Shelby, and AJ. Although the Air Force will say goodbye to Chief Master 
Sergeant Piehl, we know that the Piehl family's legacy and devotion to 
the service of this great Nation will continue for years to come.
  I would like to help close out the final chapter of this inspiring 
Soldier and Joint Force leader's career with a heartfelt thank you from 
all the men and women of the U.S. Congress and Nation. Thank you, Chief 
Master Sergeant Piehl, for your 35 years of service to the Air Force 
and the Travis Air Force Base community, and congratulations on your 
retirement. We wish you well in your future endeavors.