[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E41]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING KEVIN POTTINGER

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. BETH VAN DUYNE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 14, 2026

  Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful 
nation and the citizens of the 24th Congressional District of Texas. 
The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to 
Major General Kevin Pottinger, United States Air Force, of Keller, 
Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United 
States of America and for his continued service to his community.
  Major General Pottinger served with distinction in the United States 
Air Force for nearly four decades, from 1976 to 2015. A command pilot 
with more than 3,500 flight hours in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, he held 
leadership positions at every level, culminating in his role as 
Commander of the 301st Fighter Wing and later as Mobilization Assistant 
to the Commander, Pacific Air Forces, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-
Hickam, Hawaii. Following his initial retirement, he selflessly 
returned to active duty after the September 11th terrorist attacks to 
fly combat missions in the War on Terror, exemplifying the Air Force 
core values of integrity, service, and excellence. His military 
decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit 
with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf 
cluster, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, 
Air Force Achievement Medal, and numerous campaign and service awards 
recognizing his combat readiness and humanitarian contributions.
  Following his military career, Major General Pottinger has continued 
to serve his state and Nation through leadership, mentorship, and 
advocacy for veterans. Appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott as 
Presiding Officer of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, he 
works to strengthen Texas' military installations and ensure their 
continued role in national defense. As President of the Freedom 
Mobility Foundation, he leads efforts to provide adaptive vehicles and 
mobility equipment to severely injured veterans empowering them to 
regain independence and quality of life.
  Major General Pottinger's exceptional record of military leadership, 
combined with his unwavering commitment to veterans and the community, 
reflects the highest traditions of the United States Air Force and 
brings great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United 
States of America.

                          ____________________