[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 184 (Tuesday, November 7, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           TRIBUTE TO MAJOR 
                             ANDREA L. MAY

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a great American and 
an exceptional member of the U.S. Air Force, Maj. Andrea May.
  As an Air Force Senate legislative liaison officer, from June 2021 to 
May 2023, Andrea performed her duties with exceptional professionalism 
during the 117th and 118th U.S. Congresses. Andrea distinguished 
herself through her professional character and dedication by serving 
this Nation in uniform, leading the division's collaboration with the 
Senate Space Force Caucus, coordinating six events critical to 
educating Members and their staff on the Department of Defense's newest 
service, and helping to advocate for Space Force priorities. Her 
efforts helped solidify the establishment of the U.S. Space Force, 
ensured the confirmation of the 26th Air Force Secretary, and secured 
the Department of the Air Force's support of the national defense 
strategy in our return to Great Power Competition.
  A motivated leader and thoughtful relationship builder, Andrea 
expertly conveyed Department of the Air Force positions on the Air 
Force Future Design that included the future bomber, tanker, and 
fighter force. Andrea's direct support provided the U.S. Senate 
critical information necessary for two National Defense Authorization 
Acts. Additionally, Andrea served as a liaison between the Department 
of the Air Force and 19 U.S. Senate offices, including mine. When I had 
concerns, she was the airman with whom I spoke to address them. Andrea 
helped ensure that the airmen and guardians of North Dakota were well 
cared for and that their concerns and interests were known to the 
leadership of the Department of the Air Force.
  In her role as a liaison for the Air Force, she also coordinated 
responses to more than 200 requests for information and led delegations 
for 70 Senators, Representatives, and congressional staff on visits to 
showcase Department equities across the United States and abroad, to 
include the bicameral Reagan National Defense Forum. Andrea's 
significant efforts led to successful engagements between this 
governing body and senior Department of Defense officials, including 
the Secretary of the Air Force. All of these engagements helped U.S. 
Senators understand defense equities and their impact on national 
security. Due to her direct involvement and stewardship, Members of 
Congress were able to make informed decisions and ensured the 
Department of the Air Force was properly resourced and funded.
  Lastly, Major May was also responsible for helping prepare the 
Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the 
Chief of Space Operations, and other senior leaders for more than 80 
engagements with Senators and their staff and three Senate Armed 
Services Committee hearings. After serving in this crucial role and 
becoming a fixture on Capitol Hill, Andrea recently moved on to serve 
as a pilot in the 89th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Andrews.
  I am thankful for Andrea's service and her 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 work has 
kept our country safe and strong. I join countless others in thanking 
her for her service.

                          ____________________