[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 17 (Thursday, January 26, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E60]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT EVA M. APPIAH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 26, 2023

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my former 
United States Air Force fellow, Eva M. Appiah, on her promotion to 
Chief Master Sergeant.
  Born and raised in Ghana, Eva moved to the United States at 14 years 
of age, living and studying in Alabama before moving to Georgia for her 
university studies. She successfully graduated from Columbus State 
University with both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Eva began her 
distinguished career in the Air Force Reserve in May 2002. She attended 
Basic Military Training and Materiel Management Apprentice training at 
Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas, graduating in March 2003. 
Throughout her career, she has served in various capacities within the 
logistics community. Serving as a First Sergeant at Maxwell Air Force 
Base, she was the principal advisor to the Commander, and the liaison 
to other senior officers, noncommissioned officers, and base agencies 
where she was responsible for advising on personnel programs, ensuring 
welfare, morale, and readiness. In her most recent deployment, she 
served as the First Sergeant for the 746th Expeditionary Airlift 
Squadron, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar in 
support of Operation FREEDOM SENTINEL and INHERENT RESOLVE.
  As the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) Enlisted Legislative Fellow 
and a treasured member of my team, Eva provided unparalleled support in 
managing the defense priorities of my office, advising me in these 
matters, and extending the essential perspective that a member of the 
armed services offers to those in Congress. As a member of the Defense 
Subcommittee on Appropriations, it was a privilege having Eva in my 
office in 2022. She is sharp, passionate, eager to assist, and a true 
patriot. My staff and I valued having her on the team, and we are proud 
to celebrate this important milestone with her.
  Mr. Speaker, this is an impressive accomplishment. Chief Master 
Sergeant is the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force, and I hope 
Eva's promotion is an inspiration for young women who are interested in 
a career in our treasured Armed Forces. She has shown that with 
dedication, hard work, and perseverance, even the loftiest of dreams 
can be achieved.
  It has been an honor to work with Chief Master Sergeant Eva M. 
Appiah, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
achievements of this outstanding individual on the occasion of her 
well-deserved promotion.

                          ____________________