[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING DAVID MCMAHON
(Mr. Norman of South Carolina was recognized to address the House for
5 minutes.)
Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional
public servant, David McMahon, whose career reflects unwavering
leadership, unwavering patriotism, and a true commitment to the
security of America.
Dave has spent much of his life and service to the State of South
Carolina. He grew up in Charleston and today oversees the TSA
operations at the Charleston International Airport along with five
other airports all across South Carolina. He has served as a Federal
security director since January of 2020, managing operations and
directing security efforts all across our great State.
Dave's record of service is both extensive, and it is remarkable. He
has served as an honorary commander with the U.S. Coast Guard Base
Charleston through the Joint Base Charleston Program and has made
equally significant contributions to national security policy through
service and working on various groups.
Dave has had a distinguished record of service. Prior to his time
with the Coast Guard, Dave served as the deputy Federal security
director for Minnesota at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International
Airport. He also played a pivotal role as a primary field leader for
Super Bowl LII.
From assistant Federal security director roles to active director
positions, Dave has consistently delivered strong leadership and
results wherever he was placed. Notably, in the early days of TSA, Dave
helped federalize six airports while serving as a crisis management
coordinator.
His lengthy service record goes on. Prior to joining the TSA, Dave
served more than 4 years as a deputy sheriff with the Dane County
Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin. He also served our country for 12 years
in the United States Army, a tenure which included a combat tour in
Saudi Arabia and Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division.
His military roles included criminal investigator, patrol supervisor,
SWAT/sniper team lead, SWAT/police sniper instructor, and military
police officer basic instructor. Dave also taught criminal justice for
Central Texas College while stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
Dave's life is one truly defined by his service. His commitment to
our community, to our great State, and to our Nation has been
unlimited. Above all, Dave's family has always been his greatest source
of strength. Dave has been married to his wife, Jeanette, for over 39
years, and together they have raised two sons who continue their
father's proud tradition of service as members of the United States Air
Force.
Apart from his public service, Dave enjoys being with family and
spending time outdoors. Dave McMahon is truly a man of strong
character. At every moment, he has continually shown up with integrity,
with professionalism, and with a commitment to making his community
safer. He represents the very best of public service.
On behalf of the people of South Carolina, I am proud to acknowledge
Dave McMahon for his decades of service, his steadfast leadership, and
the example he sets for all of those who follow in his path. As a
father, as a soldier, as a public servant and steadfast South
Carolinian, his story is a reminder of the impact one individual can
have when they devote their life to the security and well-being of
others.
On behalf of our great State of South Carolina's Fifth Congressional
District, I thank Dave McMahon and wish him Godspeed in his well-
deserved retirement years.
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