[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 60 (Thursday, April 3, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S2169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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               TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL MICHAEL R. BERRY

 Mr. COONS. Madam President, today I would like to talk about 
MG Michael R. Berry of the Delaware National Guard.
  Major General Berry is recommended for the Army Distinguished Service 
Medal for his exemplary meritorious service as the Adjutant General 
(TAG) for the Delaware National Guard (DENG). As the 35th Adjutant 
General of Delaware, Major General Berry's steadfast leadership, 
expertise in strategic planning, and keen operational oversight have 
sustained and grown the DENG as a reliable and effective force ready to 
respond to both State and national challenges and emergencies.
  Throughout his tenure, Major General Berry ensured that DENG members 
and their equipment were always ready to respond and deploy in support 
of nations across the globe. During his time as TAG, the Delaware Army 
National Guard (DEARNG) deployed over 500 soldiers to Kuwait, Romania, 
Kosovo, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. Additionally, the Delaware Air 
National Guard (DANG) deployed over 800 airmen in support of six 
combatant commands.
  Major General Berry's leadership was also crucial as demands for the 
National Guard reached unprecedented levels during the COVID-19 
pandemic and civil unrest, both in the Delaware and our Nation's 
Capital. Under Major General Berry's leadership, the DENG was heavily 
relied upon to administer vaccinations and COVID-19 tests and to manage 
test sites for hundreds of thousands of panic-stricken citizens. Major 
General Berry also led the DENG as it supported several food 
distribution sites, conducted a contact tracing mission, and supported 
a nursing assistant program to fill the crucial void of nurses needed 
to combat the pandemic. Major General Berry also provided guidance and 
direction to support our Nation's Capital during the attempted 
insurrection on January 6, 2021, as well as support for the 59th and 
60th Presidential inaugurations. Major General Berry's deployment of 
soldiers and airmen to Washington with little notice was critical in 
restoring order and helping facilitate peaceful inaugurations during 
these two periods.
  In an effort to remain ready and relevant in aviation, Major General 
Berry led the DANG in two fleet conversions that included the 
acquisition of eight C-130H2.5 models and seven C-130H3 models totaling 
$450 million. These aircraft were critical in the modernization of the 
DANG's fleet, helping to decrease maintenance requirements and increase 
flight time. Major General Berry also led the acquisition of a UH-72 
Lakota helicopter detachment with two aircraft including flight crew, 
maintainers, and support personnel. This unit enhanced the domestic 
response capabilities of the DEARNG. Major General Berry also made it a 
priority to ensure that DENG facilities remain current and 
professional, facilitating over $172 million in increased funding for 
property acquisition, as well as major and minor construction. These 
funds were utilized to procure land and build new armories, alongside 
other major military construction improvement projects.
  Major General Berry's service as TAG will have a lasting positive 
impact on the DENG, Delaware, and our Nation. Despite serving during a 
tumultuous time, Major General Berry executed his tenure with poise and 
decisiveness, bringing professionalism and security to the citizens of 
Delaware. Thanks to Major General Berry's leadership, the DENG has 
never been better positioned to serve the State and Nation in times of 
crises. His outstanding leadership and legacy of excellence will endure 
long after his retirement.

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