[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 176 (Tuesday, November 15, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6687-S6688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL NATHAN H. KITZKE

  Mr. REED. Madam President, I rise today to honor a great American and 
an exceptional member of the U.S. Air Force.
  Lt. Col. Nathan ``Nate'' Kitzke 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 a great airman 
to represent the Air Force on Capitol

[[Page S6688]]

Hill. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Nate has served in the 
Air Force for over 18 years. As a deployed squadron commander and C-130 
pilot, Nate has led thousands of airmen in support of U.S. Air Force 
missions worldwide.
  Throughout his career, Nate has demonstrated exceptional, unrivaled 
officership. He is a senior pilot with over 2,150 flying hours in the 
C-130E/H and has flown more than 1,000 combat hours over five 
deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, 
New Dawn, and Inherent Resolve. Prior to his current assignment, Nate 
had the privilege of being a deployed squadron commander at the 407th 
Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, where he led two teams of 
airmen and civilians in managing two strategically essential Kuwaiti 
airfields.
  As a legislative liaison in the Air Force Senate Liaison Office from 
June 2020 to June 2022, Lieutenant Colonel Kitzke performed his duties 
well and without reservation supporting the 116th and 117th U.S. 
Congresses. His strategic thinking and foresight helped to strengthen 
and improve our national security. Nate accomplished this utilizing his 
in-depth Air Force knowledge with numerous engagements between Congress 
and the Department of the Air Force.
  Nate expertly conveyed Department of the Air Force positions on the 
Air Force Future Design that included the future bomber, tanker, and 
fighter force. Nate's 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 26th Air Force Secretary, 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 Kitzke planned and led delegations for Members of 
Congress on visits all over the world to include the bicameral Reagan 
National Defense Forum. Nate's 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 crucial role for the past 2 years and becoming 
a fixture on Capitol Hill, Lieutenant Colonel Kitzke will move to his 
next assignment, attending Air War College at Maxwell AFB, AL, a 
selection reserved only for the top echelon of Air Force leaders. Nate, 
his wife Gileanne, and their son Diego have sacrificed much as a family 
in service to our Nation. I am thankful for Nate's service and his work 
with my office and the Senate over the past 2 years on issues of vital 
importance to this great Nation. I salute this American patriot whose 
selfless service has kept our country safe and strong.

                          ____________________