[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 121 (Thursday, July 25, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E773]
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

                        Thursday, July 25, 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 serving 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 a member 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, 
flight test engineer, weapons testing officer, Air Force staff officer, 
and legislative liaison on Capitol Hill. He has commanded at the 
Squadron and Group level, and is a three-time Program Executive 
Officer, culminating with his last assignment from 2019 to 2022, when 
he was the Program Executive Officer and Director for the F-35 
Lightning II Program. In this capacity, he oversaw the development, 
production, and sustainment of the most advanced fighter jet in the 
world for 3 U.S. Services, seven international partners, and seven 
foreign military sales customers. 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 wife, Christine, his six children, and their two 
dogs. He also enjoys 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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