[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2657-S2658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT MARTHA ADELAJA

  Mr. HICKENLOOPER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a great 
American and an exceptional member of the U.S. Air Force, SMSgt Martha 
Adelaja.
  A true champion for our Nation and expert communicator, this New York 
native and Spelman College graduate brings 21 years of distinguished 
uniformed service. She has consistently demonstrated exemplary 
leadership and an unparalleled ability to navigate complex legislative 
landscapes in service to our country and the 116th, 117th, 118th, and 
119th U.S. Congresses. She left an indelible mark as the first 
bicameral Department of the Air Force legislative liaison, providing 
that vital link between Congress and the Department as she effectively 
advocated for critical defense priorities. Throughout her military 
career, she has demonstrated exceptional and unrivaled airmanship and 
is the epitome of what a noncommissioned officer should be. As an Army 
combat veteran prior to her transition to the Air Force in 2007, her 
career spans two services in numerous of positions critical to U.S. 
defense and its national security interests worldwide.
  As a legislative liaison and action officer in the Department of the 
Air Force's Senate liaison division, she advised Department senior 
leadership and helped develop strategic engagement opportunities to 
advance U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force priorities. Her leadership 
facilitated seamless collaboration on behalf of the Department of the 
Air Force across 62 congressional offices, serving as the principal Air 
Force liaison to 17 Senators and their respective staffs. She supported 
numerous engagements and delegations spanning 150 Senators, 
Congressmen, and staffers to showcase Department equities in the United 
States and abroad. Most notably, her strategic acumen was instrumental 
in navigating congressional concerns regarding the Air Force's 
divestment of 261 legacy aircraft and securing $2.6 billion in cost 
savings, significantly strengthening the Air Force and Senate relations 
prior to congressional hearings. Her efforts synchronized nine 
Department of the Air Force directorates with 98 congressional staffers 
for modernization efforts and ensured the Department of the Air Force's 
support of the National Defense Strategy in our return to Great Power 
Competition.
  Senior Master Sergeant Adelaja spearheaded international delegations 
of congressional members, showcasing critical Air Force capabilities 
and strengthening partnerships at key events like the bicameral Reagan 
National Defense Forum. Through her tireless efforts, Senior Master 
Sergeant Adelaja secured direct engagement between Members of Congress 
and key decision-makers, including the Secretary of the Air Force, 
resulting in successful advancements of critical Air Force initiatives. 
Drawing on her deep understanding of Space Force requirements,

[[Page S2658]]

Senior Master Sergeant Adelaja successfully championed the Department 
of the Air Force's position on future space-based missile warning 
capabilities, ensuring congressional alignment on this critical 
national security priority.
  Finally, as the sole enlisted representative in the Department of the 
Air Force Senate liaison office, she effectively advocated for 
Department priorities. Collaborating with U.S. Space Command she 
arranged seven visits to Colorado Space Force bases in 2024 for key 
decision-makers, highlighting the quality-of-life concerns of 
guardians. Her efforts secured a significant $42.9 billion investment 
in quality-of-life programs, including a 4.5-percent pay raise. Due to 
her direct involvement and stewardship, Members of Congress were able 
to make informed decisions and ensured the Department of the Air Force 
was properly resourced and funded.
  After serving in this crucial role and becoming a fixture on Capitol 
Hill, SMSgt Martha Adelaja will move on to serve as the congressional 
liaison for the newly established Integrated Capabilities Command, 
Headquarters Air Force, Pentagon, Arlington, VA. She has sacrificed 
much in service to our Nation. I am thankful for Martha's service and 
her work with my office and the Senate over the past year on issues of 
vital importance to the defense of the United States. I salute this 
American patriot whose selfless service has kept our country safe and 
strong.

                          ____________________