[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 179 (Tuesday, October 28, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING LIEUTENANT COLONEL BRENDA STRENGTH AS ONE OF CALIFORNIA'S 8TH 
               CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT'S WOMEN OF THE YEAR

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 28, 2025

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
contributions of Lt. Col. Brenda Strength as she is honored as one of 
California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year for her 
exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and dedicated service 
to both the United States Air Force and the Northern California 
community. Lt. Col. Strength leads a team of 372 military and civilian 
personnel in managing the Air Mobility Command's largest logistics 
portfolio, valued at over $983 million. Under her leadership, her unit 
executed over 58,000 passenger movements and transported more than 5 
million pounds of cargo, while simultaneously planning and executing 12 
high-priority Presidential support missions, mobilizing 123 personnel 
across 22 locations in less than 24 hours. She played a pivotal role in 
finalizing a 15-year modernization effort involving the transfer of 
3,000 legacy weapons systems across three wings. Through innovative 
joint training with the U.S. Marine Corps, she established three cross-
service exercises and embedded 25 Air Force reservists into five 
critical logistics functions, enhancing operational readiness and joint 
interoperability. Her logistical acumen led to major advancements: a 30 
percent reduction in overdue parts in the ``Due In From Maintenance'' 
program, a 15 percent increase in Specialized Fueling qualifications, 
and the resolution of a vital Base Exchange agreement benefiting over 
135,000 members of the Travis AFB community. Further demonstrating her 
strategic foresight, Lt. Col. Strength oversaw a zero-cost warehouse 
floor plan redesign that consolidated 124 locations for 11,000 line 
items, resolved 132 asset discrepancies, and bolstered the Air Force's 
largest mobility account. Her innovation directly enabled a 26 percent 
increase in qualified aircrew by resolving a 9-month gap in hot refuel 
kit certification. Beyond her military service. Lt. Col. Strength has 
strengthened community bonds by encouraging squadron engagement in 
local volunteerism, including youth mentorship, highway cleanups, STEM 
and robotics initiatives, and support for local athletics and the arts. 
Her commitment to community partnerships highlights the Air Force's 
enduring connection to the people it serves. On behalf of the people of 
California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and 
recognize Lt. Col. Brenda Strength for her invaluable contributions to 
our community.

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