[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 190 (Wednesday, November 15, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO CHARLI A. KILEY
Mr. HICKENLOOPER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a great
American and a U.S. Air Force civil servant, Ms. Charli Kiley.
Charli distinguished herself through her outstanding service as the
office manager and scheduler for the U.S. Air Force's Senate
Legislative Liaison office. For the last 13 years, Charli delivered
exceptional service through her professionalism, attention to detail,
and continued commitment to serving this Nation as a civil servant.
Total service included, Charli honorably served a combined 38 years in
the U.S. Air Force and civil service.
Throughout her career, Charli demonstrated exceptional work ethic. As
a bipartisan volunteer, Charli was responsible for escorting guests for
the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to two Presidential
inaugurations. In 2022, Charli directly supported a bicameral
congressional delegation in support of the Reagan National Defense
Forum, as well as the unveiling of the Department of Defense's newest
bomber aircraft, the B-21 Raider.
As the manager and scheduler for the Air Force Senate Legislative
Liaison office from April 2010 to June 2023, Charli performed her
duties well and without reservation supporting the 111th Congress
through the 118th Congress. Her subject matter expertise, professional
relationships, and in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of Capitol
Hill directly strengthened and improved our national security. Charli
was singularly responsible for scheduling thousands of engagements
between Congress and the Department of the Air Force. These engagements
helped U.S. Senators and staffers understand defense equities and their
impact on national security. Due to her direct input and stewardship,
Members of Congress were able to make informed decisions and ensured
the Department of the Air Force was properly resourced and funded.
Additionally, Charli's efforts helped establish the U.S. Space Force,
she assisted with the confirmation of eight Air Force Secretaries,
three Air Force Chiefs of Staff, two Chiefs of Space Operations, and
gained the Department of the Air Force support for multiple National
Defense Strategies. Last, Charli helped train nine incoming Senate
Legislative Liaison division chiefs, nine deputy division chiefs, and
dozens of action officers, ensuring seamless transitions, office
continuity, and efficient performance.
After serving in this crucial role for the past 13 years and becoming
a fixture on Capitol Hill, Ms. Charli Kiley will be retiring and moving
to the great State of Colorado. Charli has given her all in service to
our Nation. I am thankful for her service, her work with my office, and
her work with the Senate on issues of vital importance to this great
Nation. I salute this American patriot whose selfless service has kept
our country safe and strong.
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