[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 62 (Thursday, April 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING MR. DARREL FETTIG

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2023

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions 
and service of Darrel Fettig with United Airlines. After forty-four 
years of service and nearly three decades of helping travelers visit 
our nation's capital, Darrel is retiring this week.
  Darrel was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Matt and Agnes Fettig, 
one of nine children. He left Bismarck at 18 and went to ``airline'' 
school.
  His first job was with a regional airline as a ramp agent in Peoria. 
In 1978, he went to work for the pre-paid desk for Continental Airlines 
in Denver, and then he moved to Salt Lake City. Darrel skied as much as 
he could in-between shifts and still has lasting friendships from the 
seven years he spent in Salt Lake City.
  Darrel then came to DCA on a temporary position as a trainer for 
Continental Airlines. He liked D.C. so much he applied for and got a 
job as a customer service agent at DCA. Following his time at DCA, 
Darrel went to the city ticket office in Washington, D.C. for about 10 
years, and he was recruited to join the Continental Airlines' 
Government Affairs team in 1995. Darrel's service spanned major events 
such as the September 11 attacks, a merger with United Airlines, and 
global repatriation flight efforts at the start of the 2020 COVID 
Pandemic.
  Throughout his tenure, Darrel has assisted thousands of travelers in 
Washington, D.C. ensuring the best travel experience between Washington 
and home each week or assisting with travel changes and challenges--all 
with a smile and wonderful customer service.
  Darrel met his husband Joe working for the airline and they have been 
together for nearly 30 years.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Darrel Fettig for his 
dedication to the greater travel community and wishing him a happy 
retirement.

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