[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E17]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING COLONEL DAVID ``MOON'' HALASI-KUN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachuetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2026

  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished 
service and extraordinary career of Colonel David L. ``Moon'' Halasi-
Kun, who has honorably served our Nation for more than twenty-five 
years and most recently as the Wing Commander of the 104th Fighter Wing 
at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts.
  Colonel Halasi-Kun's career is a testament to dedication, leadership, 
and excellence in service. Commissioned from the United States Air 
Force Academy in 1998, he went on to graduate from the Euro-NATO Joint 
Jet Pilot Training program in 2000. Over the course of his career, he 
has accumulated more than 3,150 flight hours in the F-15 Eagle and 
other aircraft, and has participated in combat and support missions in 
Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM, and ATLANTIC RESOLVE.
  After a decade of active duty, Colonel Halasi-Kun joined the 
Massachusetts Air National Guard in 2008, where he has served with 
distinction for the past fifteen years. Rising through the ranks, he 
has held numerous leadership positions, including Vice Commander of the 
104th Fighter Wing, before assuming command in 2022. In this role, he 
was responsible for ensuring that more than 1,000 military and civilian 
personnel were mission-ready to defend our homeland and support 
expeditionary deployments around the globe. Most notably, Colonel 
Halasi-Kun has upheld the stellar reputation that has become associated 
with Barnes, positioning the base to be selected as the preferred 
location to host a new fleet of F-35A aircraft. This decision 
solidified Barnes' place in the western Massachusetts community for 
decades to come.
  Colonel Halasi-Kun's service has been recognized with some of the 
military's highest honors, including the Legion of Merit, the 
Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, and the Aerial Achievement 
Medal. His professional achievements are matched by his academic 
accomplishments, having earned advanced degrees in Military Operational 
Art and Science as well as National Resource Strategy.
  On September 30, 2025, Colonel Halasi-Kun completed his final flight 
in the F-15C Eagle, marking both the end of his own flying career and 
the conclusion of the F-15 mission at Barnes Air National Guard Base. 
In a fitting tribute, he led a four-ship formation on a two-hour 
mission over the Atlantic, a ``Lunar Flight'' named in honor of his 
call sign, ``Moon.'' Upon his return, he was greeted by family, 
friends, and fellow airmen who celebrated his remarkable career and 
enduring legacy.
  Mr. Speaker, Colonel Halasi-Kun embodies the very best of our armed 
forces: courage, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to duty. 
His leadership has left an indelible mark on the 104th Fighter Wing, 
and his service has brought great pride to the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts and to our Nation.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Colonel David ``Moon'' 
Halasi-Kun for his decades of service and sacrifice. We extend our 
deepest gratitude to him, his wife Gretchen, and his son Luke for their 
steadfast support throughout his career. His legacy will continue to 
inspire future generations of airmen as the 104th transitions to its 
next chapter with the arrival of the F-35s.

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