[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 195 (Wednesday, November 19, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1093]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING LORNA KIPPHUT WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2025

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Colonel 
Lorna Kipphut of Rockwall, Texas, and to honor her with a Congressional 
Veteran Commendation. Lieutenant Colonel Kipphut honorably served in 
the United States Air Force from 1978 to 1998, dedicating twenty years 
to the defense of our Nation with distinction, leadership, and 
trailblazing service.
  Lieutenant Colonel Kipphut began her career as an intelligence 
officer, serving in pivotal assignments across Korea and Germany during 
the Cold War. She went on to serve as a desk officer for the National 
Intelligence Center, providing critical intelligence support during 
Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, and later oversaw 
intelligence operations for Operation Southern Watch. Throughout her 
career, she set a standard of excellence, becoming the first woman 
officer assigned to the USAF Red Flag Combat Readiness Program and the 
first female combat operations officer assigned to the Air Combat 
Command Inspector General Program.
  For her exemplary service, Lieutenant Colonel Kipphut received 
numerous awards, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with 
one device, the Meritorious Service Medal with three devices, the Air 
Force Commendation Medal with one device, the National Defense Service 
Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and the Air Force 
Organizational Excellence Award with one device, among many others 
recognizing her exceptional performance and commitment to excellence.
  Following her retirement from the Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel 
Kipphut has continued her legacy of leadership and service in her 
community. Under her direction, the Terry Fisher Boys & Girls State 
Program grew by more than 600 percent, now over 25 students participate 
in this nationally recognized civic leadership program each year. She 
remains an active member of the Rockwall Terry Fisher American Legion 
Post No. 117, where she serves as Post Adjutant, and is also an engaged 
member of the Rockwall Republican Women's Club.
  I am deeply honored to recognize Lieutenant Colonel Lorna Kipphut for 
her courage, pioneering leadership, and lifelong dedication to serving 
her country and community. She represents the very best of Texas' 4th 
Congressional District and of the United States of America.

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