[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 209 (Tuesday, December 19, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1249-E1250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT CHUCK POWERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAUL TONKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 19, 2023

  Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Master 
Sergeant Chuck Powers, an exceptional member of the Air National Guard, 
for his distinguished service and dedication to furthering the mission 
of the National Guard.

[[Page E1250]]

  A native of Albany, New York, Chief Master Sergeant Powers enlisted 
in the Air Force in December 2000. He has served for 23 years in the 
Active-Duty Air Force and now the New York Air National Guard in a 
broad range of assignments, including six deployments to Iraq, Oman, 
Afghanistan, and Antarctica in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, 
Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Deep Freeze, and Operation New 
Dawn. Most recently, he served as a military personnel liaison for the 
National Guard Bureau Office of Legislative Liaison and Senior Enlisted 
Advisor, working diligently to improve the quality of life for our 
National Guard Soldiers and Airmen and to enhance the relationship 
between the National Guard and offices like mine. In November 2023, he 
took on a new role as the Senior Enlisted Leader to the National Guard 
Bureau Manpower and Personnel Directorate.
  Chief Master Sergeant Powers' responsibilities as legislative liaison 
have had an impact on the National Guard Bureau and the work of all 
congressional offices. He demonstrated expertise in developing 
technical solutions, which modernized how the National Guard Bureau 
Office of Legislative Liaison engages with Members of Congress. His 
attention to detail and responsiveness strengthened the relationship 
between congressional offices and the National Guard immeasurably. He 
formulated a congressional engagement plan and prepared National Guard 
leadership for over 60 meetings and hearings, informed Members on the 
National Guard Bureau's legislative priorities, and answered hundreds 
of congressional inquiries, which provided critical information related 
to the annual National Defense Authorization Act.
  Chief Master Sergeant Powers' efforts were also pivotal to improve 
quality of life for his fellow National Guard members, including the 
development of new guidelines for maternity and paternity leave. He 
embodies the qualities that one can expect from Non-Commissioned 
Officers.
  I am grateful to Chief Master Sergeant Powers for his service in 
support of my office and others in the furtherance of National Guard 
missions. I would also like to express my appreciation to his 
supportive husband, Jamie Richards. I wish this National Guard family 
all the best in their next chapter of service to our Nation.

                          ____________________