[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 114 (Wednesday, July 10, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H4535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING IAN BASTEK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Bera) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BERA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Captain Ian Bastek who 
recently retired as the commanding officer in the Air Station 
Sacramento Command.
  Captain Bastek's career began in 1997 in the U.S. Coast Guard Academy 
and has been marked by exemplary dedication and leadership in the 27 
years since.
  From training pilots at the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in 
Alabama to serving as Senior U.S. Coast Guard Joint Task Force East 
adviser to NORAD and U.S. NORTHCOM, Captain Bastek has made immense 
contributions to our Nation's security throughout his decorated career.
  His contributions have earned him multiple prestigious military 
awards, including three Meritorious Service Medals, the Coast Guard 
Commendation Medal, and four Coast Guard Achievement Medals.
  Captain Bastek's leadership at Air Station Sacramento was 
particularly notable. Under his leadership, the air station solved a 
critical fuselage issue that grounded the world's C-27J fleet.
  While serving at Air Station Sacramento, Captain Bastek worked 
closely with my congressional office. His insights and advocacy were 
instrumental in ensuring that our Coast Guard units received the 
necessary funding to continue their essential missions.
  As he transitions to his new role as the deputy director of response 
in California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, I am confident 
that his leadership skills and expertise will continue to benefit our 
State.
  Please join me in congratulating Captain Ian Bastek on his remarkable 
career and new position.


                       Recognizing Jarek Neczypor

  Mr. BERA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Jarek 
Neczypor for his perseverance and participation in the Department of 
Defense's 2024 Warrior Games.
  A native of Sacramento, Lieutenant Neczypor joined the Navy with a 
desire to serve his country and see the world. His service took him 
across Asia, where he proudly represented our Nation.
  Following his injuries, Lieutenant Neczypor's involvement with the 
Navy Wounded Warrior connected him with fellow servicemembers fostering 
a supportive community crucial to his healing journey.
  In this network, Lieutenant Neczypor and his shipmates have shared 
valuable resources related to education, employment, and veteran 
support organizations. These experiences inspired him to attend law 
school where he continues in his commitment to serve others through his 
involvement in Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic and Medical-Legal 
Partnership.

  This year in the Warrior Games, Lieutenant Neczypor competed in 
cycling, precision air sports, track, wheelchair basketball, and 
wheelchair rugby.
  Please join me in celebrating Lieutenant Jarek Neczypor's outstanding 
achievements and continued dedication to his fellow veterans.


                       California Capital Airshow

  Mr. BERA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the upcoming 
California Capital Airshow set to take place this weekend at Mather 
Airport in Sacramento County. Established in 2004, this annual event 
not only honors our region's rich aviation heritage and our brave 
veterans, but it also inspires the next generation with the power and 
magic of flight.
  This year's airshow promises to be a spectacular celebration, 
featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Italy's Frecce Tricolori. 
As we mark the 75th anniversary of NATO this week in Washington, this 
event underscores the strength of our alliances and the collaborative 
spirit that underpins our international partnerships.
  The California Capital Airshow offers exhilarating aerial 
performances, interactive exhibits, and educational programs that 
engage and inspire our community.
  It is time for families to come together, for us to celebrate our 
shared history and to look forward to the future of aviation and 
aerospace innovation.
  As a proud Representative of Sacramento County, I am thrilled to 
support an event that brings such pride to our community. Let us 
celebrate this dedication of our servicemen and -women and the enduring 
power of international cooperation. It keeps our skies safe.

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