[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 170 (Tuesday, October 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE LIFE OF UKRAINIAN AIR FORCE MAJOR ANDRII PILSHCHYKOV

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TED LIEU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 17, 2023

  Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise to recognize the life and 
service of Ukrainian Air Force Major Andrii Pilshchykov, a fighter 
pilot who tragically lost his life in the fight to defend his country 
from the Russian invasion. Mr. Pilshchykov reached the rank of Captain 
in the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Force, 
before being posthumously promoted to Major.
  Born in Kharkiv only 30 years ago, Andrii fulfilled his life-long 
dream to fly some of the fastest and toughest airplanes in the world. 
From a young age, Andrii was fascinated with airplanes and jets and 
eagerly took on the little-known hobby of ``Planespotting,'' in which 
participants track the movement and record photos of desired aircraft 
all around the globe. As soon as he could, Andrii enrolled in Ukraine's 
Ivan Kozhedub National Air Force University. It was in this academy 
that Andrii learned to fly MiG-29 fighter jets, which he would go on to 
fly during the current war to save his country. Andrii's peers and 
instructors were so impressed with his abilities that he was assigned 
to be an instructor for certain classes even though he was still a 
cadet.
  After graduating from the academy in 2018, Andrii joined the 40th 
Tactical Aviation Brigade at Yasylkiv Air Base, where he would become 
an Air Force Captain. During his first year, Andrii traveled to my home 
state of California, where he completed an internship with the 144th 
Fighter Wing of California's Air National Guard in the City of Fresno. 
As he learned how to fly F-15 fighter jets, Andrii took his learning 
experience in California very seriously, earning the nickname ``Juice'' 
because he would only order juice as he refrained from alcohol. He took 
this nickname back home with him, and for a time he was the only pilot 
in the Ukrainian Armed Forces with an official call sign: ``Juice.''
  After leaving the Air Force for only a brief period, Andrii did not 
hesitate to sign up again for service in February 2022 as the Russian 
invasion threatened the people and very sovereignty of Ukraine. It was 
not long before he resumed flights, fighting to keep Ukrainian skies 
safe over Kyiv and other major battle areas. During Andrii's service, 
he flew over 100 combat missions and destroyed dozens of the enemy's 
command posts. In May 2022, Andrii was awarded the Order for Courage 
(3rd Class) for his valiant service.
  Because of his keen interest in promoting the modernization of 
Ukraine's Air Force, and his proficiency in English, Andrii and a small 
contingent of his colleagues were sent to Washington, D.C., to 
illustrate and emphasize the urgent need to supply Ukraine with F-16 
fighter jets. I had the honor of meeting Andrii. After his visit to 
Capitol Hill, the Ukraine Fighter Pilots Act was introduced, which I 
was proud to cosponsor.
  I want to express my deepest appreciation for the invaluable service 
rendered not only to the nation of Ukraine, but in the fight for 
democracy itself, by Major Andrii Pilshchykov. My deepest condolences 
go out to his family, the people of Ukraine and all those impacted by 
his loss.

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