[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 188 (Wednesday, December 18, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S7175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING TENNESSEE'S 134TH AIR REFUELING WING

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam President, for almost a century, the U.S. Armed 
Forces' Distinguished Flying Cross has honored airmen who have 
demonstrated heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight. 
Earlier this month, 11 members of the Tennessee Air National Guard's 
134th Air Refueling Wing joined this distinguished group of honorees 
for their courageous actions in defense of Israel.
  After Iran fired more than 300 drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic 
missiles toward the Jewish state on April 13, 2024, the aircrews of the 
134th jumped into action to help defend our cherished ally, supplying 
tens of thousands of pounds of fuel for U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike 
Eagles that worked to intercept the threats. To accomplish this feat, 
the aircrews flew into dangerous airspace without onboard defensive 
systems or advanced situational awareness tools, facing great risk 
while ensuring the fighters could remain focused on their mission. With 
the 134th's support, U.S. Forces joined our coalition partners and 
Israeli defenses in eliminating nearly 99 percent of inbound drones, 
ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, saving countless lives.
  On behalf of all Tennesseans, I extend my heartfelt congratulations 
to the 134th Air Refueling Wing on this well-deserved honor. Through 
their skill, determination, and valor, these 11 Airmen served our 
Nation admirably while helping defend our ally in a moment of great 
danger.

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