[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S1131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN D. ``IKE'' FESLER

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam President, I rise today to honor a fellow 
Tennessean, a great American, and an exceptional member of the U.S. Air 
Force.
  Lt. Col. John D. ``Ike'' Fesler 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 the perfect 
airman to represent the Air Force on Capitol Hill. Ike has honorably 
served in the Air National Guard and Navy for over 27 years in both the 
enlisted and officer ranks; during this time, he has led hundreds of 
airmen in support of U.S. Air Force missions worldwide.
  Throughout his career, Ike has demonstrated exceptional, unrivaled 
officership. During his time as director of operations, course 
director, and flight commander at the Academy of Military Science, 
Maxwell AFB, AL., he commissioned more than 150 Air National Guard 
officers. Ike spent 4 years in the White House Military Office, his 
last title being Director of Staff, Policy Plans and Requirements, a 
position where he led the human resource operations for a 250-person 
organization comprised of five military services, five billet sponsors, 
and numerous contract client partners, ensuring execution of 
Presidential continuity of operations were uninterrupted. Additionally, 
in direct support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, Ike 
was the deputy chief, public affairs at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs 
Operations Center, ensuring our fallen heroes were provided the 
dignified treatment they deserved.
  As a legislative liaison in the Air Force Senate Liaison Office from 
April 2021 to April 2023, Lieutenant Colonel Fesler performed his 
duties well and without reservation supporting the 117th and 118th U.S. 
Congresses. His strategic thinking and foresight helped to strengthen 
and improve our national security. Ike accomplished this utilizing his 
in-depth Air Force knowledge with numerous engagements between Congress 
and the Department of the Air Force. Ike expertly conveyed Department 
of the Air Force positions on the Air Force Future Design that included 
the future bomber, tanker, and fighter force. Ike's direct support 
provided the U.S. Senate critical information necessary for two 
National Defense Authorization Acts. His efforts helped solidify the 
U.S. Space Force, ensure the confirmation of the 26th Air Force 
Secretary and ensured the Department of the Air Force's support of the 
National Defense Strategy in our return to great power competition.
  Lieutenant Colonel Fesler planned and led numerous delegations for 
members of Congress on visits all over the world. In fact, I became 
acquainted with Ike in the run up to my recent official visit to 
Europe. Anyone who has attended one of these delegation trips knows 
that while the planning is stressful, the execution is downright 
arduous. But Ike persevered with a smile, gave 100 percent, and the 
trip went off without a hitch. Due to his direct involvement and 
stewardship of this delegation and others like it, Members of Congress 
were able to make informed decisions on issues of national defense, 
tech policy, and other culturally significant questions and of course 
ensure the Department of the Air Force was properly resourced and 
funded, along with their brothers and sisters in arms across the Armed 
Forces.
  After serving in this crucial role for the past 2 years and becoming 
a fixture on Capitol Hill, Lieutenant Colonel Fesler will retire from 
Active-Duty service. Ike has sacrificed much in service to our Nation. 
I am thankful for Ike's service and his work with my office and the 
Senate over the past 2 years on issues of vital importance to the 
United States. I salute this American patriot whose selfless service 
has kept our country safe and strong.

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