[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 24, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING CONGRESSIONAL PATRIOT AWARD RECIPIENT ERIC FICK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2024

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Eric Thomas 
Fick of Stafford, Virginia, and present him with the Congressional 
Patriot Award. Eric has dedicated himself to faithfully our community 
and country.
  Eric was born at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington and 
grew up in an Air Force family. From a young age, he had always felt a 
connection to our servicemembers and wanted to serve our country. Eric 
attended the University of Notre Dame as part of its Air Force ROTC 
program and graduated in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in aerospace 
engineering. Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the United 
States Air Force. Eric served in a variety of roles, including as a 
mechanical systems engineer for the F-16 fighter, logistics officer, 
test pilot, weapons testing officer, global outreach director, and 
legislative liaison on Capitol Hill. From 2019 to 2022, he was the 
Program Executive Officer and Director for the F-35 Lightning II 
Program and oversaw the development of the most advanced fighter jet in 
the world. For his meritorious service, Eric received the Legion of 
Merit, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Distinguished Service 
Medal, and many more awards.
  In 2022, Eric retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant General 
after 31 years of service. He currently serves as the President of 
Lyten Federal, a super materials applications company that is 
developing next-generation batteries to power cars, planes, and 
spacecraft while reducing global emissions. In his free time, he enjoys 
spending time with his two dogs and playing soccer, volleyball, and 
golf. Eric is an outstanding leader who has made a tremendous impact on 
the world around us. I am proud of the work he has accomplished, and I 
wish him continued success for many years to come.
  It is an honor to bestow Eric with the Patriot Award for his 
exceptional service to our Nation.

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