[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 172 (Wednesday, November 20, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6682-S6683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO MAJOR MATTHEW ``MADDOG'' GUERTIN
Mr. COTTON. Madam President, I would like to take a few moments to
recognize Maj. Matthew ``Maddog'' Guertin who has worked in my Senate
office this year as a defense fellow. Major Guertin--soon to be
lieutenant colonel--is a patriot who has served our country nobly and
made it a safer place. In 1 short year, he has proven to be an
invaluable member of my staff.
Major Guertin commissioned into the Air Force in 2010 as a
distinguished graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy. After
completing his graduate degree from Rice University, he trained at the
prestigious Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training in Texas before becoming
an F-22 pilot. He quickly became a proven combat leader, having flown
150 combat hours in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, including 10
sorties over Syria and Iraq and dozens of defensive counter air hours
to protect American ground troops. The Air Force stated that his
actions ``directly contributed to the defeat of Islamic State
insurgents.'' Major Guertin also flew hundreds of hours on Operation
NOBLE EAGLE and alert missions in defense of the Alaskan coast and
National Capital Region.
Following his deployment to the Middle East, Major Guertin spent 3
years at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, flying and
instructing pilots on the F-22. There, he earned the Meritorious
Service Medal for outstanding work in leading 206 airmen, increasing
the base's operational capability, and playing a pivotal role advancing
Air Force capabilities during Arctic exercises. In 2021, he moved to
Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia where he quickly distinguished
himself as the Air Force's F-22 subject matter expert.
During his time in Virginia, Major Guertin led all requirements and
force structure planning for a fleet of 185 F-22 aircraft, affecting
about $7 billion in investment over a 5-year period. He secured a $1.4
billion budget increase for the F-22 and successfully executed 30
program requirements. That is three times more program requirements
than the last 19 years of F-22 history combined. Major Guertin
ultimately championed the upgrades to the F-22 being implemented today
that will secure the fighter as the United States' premier air
superiority platform throughout the decade and beyond.
For his contributions to such a critical aspect of U.S. military
strategy, the Air Force awarded Major Guertin the Meritorious Service
Medal, and the Defense Department gave him the 2023 Defense Acquisition
Workforce Award for Requirements Management.
I could not have been assigned a more knowledgeable and skilled pilot
to join my office in January 2023, representing the Air Force in
Congress as a defense fellow.
During his time in my office, Major Guertin staffed high level
meetings and helped prepare me for numerous committee hearings,
briefings, and legislative efforts. His colleagues deeply appreciated
his initiative, dedication, and good cheer. He clearly demonstrated his
passion and dedication to making this great Nation safer every single
day working in the Senate.
Thankfully, the Air Force also recognizes his commitment to service,
as it recently announced Major Guertin's upcoming promotion to
lieutenant colonel.
Finally, I cannot honor Major Guertin without also thanking his
family: his wife Jamie and his four children Abigail, Benjamin,
Madison, and Nathan. Major Guertin is clearly a great father and a
great husband, and I
[[Page S6683]]
am grateful to his family for sharing him with my team.
Major Guertin has had an extraordinary career, and he will serve his
country well in the years ahead. He is exactly the kind of man and
leader that our military needs. For these reasons and many more, I was
honored to have Major Guertin in my office this year. Maddog, thank you
for your service to Arkansas and to the United States of America.
____________________