[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 171 (Wednesday, October 18, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               CHIEF FONG

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JEFFERSON VAN DREW

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 18, 2023

  Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, today I want to honor Chief 
Petty Officer Phillip Fong Jr., a remarkable individual who has led an 
impressive life and career. Chief Fong's career in the Navy began in 
2002 where he immediately excelled in his training. His first 
assignment was on the USS Reuben James where he advanced all the way 
from the rank of E-2 to Second-Class Petty Officer. Shortly after, he 
was transferred to Italy where continued to rise through the ranks. His 
unit completed important work, directly supporting Presidential 
Missions, Joint Task Force, and much more. In 2008, he contracted 
Cerebral Malaria and encephalitis during a deployment to Monrovia, 
Liberia, leading to a long hospitalization and rehabilitation. After 
battling the long rehab, Chief Fong pushed on and continued his 
impressive career. In 2009, Chief Fong was selected for orders at the 
Naval Special Warfare schoolhouse where he achieved remarkable 
milestones, including being selected as the Command Sailor of the Year 
and promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer in 2012. Chief Fong's 
dedication continued as he served in various roles, including as 
Operations and Training Chief at the Navy Operational Support Center in 
Tampa, where he managed over 600 Navy Reservists' travel and orders. 
His final tour of duty saw him handpicked to work for the United States 
Special Operations Command, Warrior Care Program, where he made 
significant contributions. Chief Fong has also proven himself to be an 
incredible athlete as he had the opportunity to represent Team USA for 
the 2018 Invictus Games in Australia and 2022 Invictus Games in the 
Netherlands earning gold and bronze medals for rugby and rowing. In 
addition to his outstanding career, Chief Fong is a devoted husband to 
Sylvia and a proud father of three sons, Phill, Will, and Dill. I 
applaud Chief Fong for his dedication, resilience, and remarkable 
accomplishments throughout his career and I thank him for his service. 
God Bless Chief Fong, and God Bless the United States of America.

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