[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 24, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S3513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO COLONEL DARIN J. DURAND

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Col. Darin Durand, a 
great American and an exceptional member of the U.S. Air Force.
  As the Air National Guard Liaison to the Department of the Air 
Force's Senate Liaison Division from May 2023 to December 2024, Colonel 
Durand performed his duties with exceptional professionalism during the 
118th Congress. Hailing from Plattsmouth, NE, he is a graduate of the 
University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He represents a true Total Force 
officer, having served over 26 years on Active Duty, in the Air Force 
Reserve, and in the Air National Guard. Like his father, Col. Arthur 
Durand, U.S. Air Force retired, and his younger brother Lt. Col. Ryan 
Durand, U.S. Space Force retired, he has demonstrated exceptional and 
unrivaled officership throughout his career. He served in various 
personnel, command, and special staff positions with experience at the 
squadron, group, wing, major command, and combatant command level and 
deployed in support of Operations Allied Force and Enduring Freedom.
  Colonel Durand distinguished himself with professionalism and 
dedication as the sole Air National Guard Legislative Liaison in the 
Department of the Air Force's Senate Liaison office. In this role, he 
advised Department of the Air Force senior leaders and helped shape 
over 150 strategic engagements with Senators, Congressmen, and staffers 
to advance U.S. Air Force and Space Force priorities. He provided 
seamless collaboration with the Department of the Air Force in all 100 
Senate offices. In 20 of those offices, one which was mine, he was the 
principal Air Force liaison to 20 Senators and their staffs. He also 
collaborated closely with the Senate Space Force Caucus to effectively 
educate Senate offices and defense committees on the Department of 
Defense's newest military branch and its alignment with the National 
Defense Strategy's focus on Reoptimization for Great Power Competition.
  A driven leader skilled at building relationships, Colonel Durand 
spearheaded initiatives within Headquarters Air Force that bridged the 
information gap between Members of Congress and the Department of the 
Air Force. He fostered a shared understanding of congressional 
priorities and Departmental objectives, enabling the alignment of goals 
and a cohesive, multifunctional approach to achieving them. He directly 
supported the successful execution of nine Senate confirmation, 
posture, and subcommittee hearings, and he provided the Senate with 
critical information and language refinements necessary to complete the 
2025 National Defense Authorization Act.
  Colonel Durand's commitment to enhancing global partnerships was 
evident when he planned, executed and led 13 congressional and staff 
delegation trips. These trips within the United States and overseas, 
supported the Air Force Caucus, State delegations, key Senate 
committees, and our allies and partners. These interactions 
successfully strengthened international collaboration and cultivated 
relationships crucial for advancing shared defense priorities and 
select Department of the Air Force equities. His direct involvement and 
oversight helped Members of Congress make informed decisions to ensure 
the Department of the Air Force possessed the right authorities and 
resources necessary to equip our warfighters and fulfill its role.
  One highlight is Colonel Durand coleading the Senate delegation for 
the bicameral 2023 and 2024 Reagan National Defense Forums. His 
significant efforts resulted in more than 70 successful engagements 
between Senators, current and former administration officials, senior 
military leaders, industry executives, technology innovators, and 
leading-edge thought leaders. These interactions helped my colleagues 
and our staffs advance conversations and collaborations critical to 
achieving our shared national security goal of peace through strength.
  Colonel Durand became a fixture on Capitol Hill, before moving on to 
serve as the Air National Guard adviser to the director of the Air 
Force's legislative liaison in Washington. I know he is forever 
grateful to his wife Frances for her unwavering commitment and many 
sacrifices in supporting his calling in the defense of our Nation.
  I am thankful for Col. Darin Durand's service and his work with my 
office and the Senate over the past 2 years 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.

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