[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES AIR FORCE CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT MICHAEL R. 
            VANDRIESSCHE AS APRIL 2026 VETERAN OF THE MONTH

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. LISA C. McCLAIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 13, 2026

  Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Chief Master Sergeant 
Michael R. VanDriessche for his distinguished military service and 
continued dedication to supporting our Nation's warfighters. It is my 
honor to recognize his decades of leadership and service by naming him 
our April 2026 Veteran of the Month.
  Chief Master Sergeant VanDriessche enlisted in the United States Air 
Force in 1991, beginning his career working with aircraft weapons 
systems. He quickly demonstrated strong dedication and leadership, 
earning an accelerated promotion early in his service. In 2001, he 
continued his service with the Michigan Air National Guard, where, 
following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, he volunteered 
to support homeland defense efforts. In this role, he became a trusted 
trainer and mentor while helping ensure aircraft were mission-ready.
  Throughout his career, Chief Master Sergeant VanDriessche held 
multiple operational and leadership roles focused on aircraft 
maintenance and mission readiness, including several overseas 
deployments in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he 
earned recognition for his service. In 2008, he was selected as a First 
Sergeant, advising commanders and supporting Airmen and their families. 
He later served in senior leadership roles, including a deployment to 
Kuwait, and in 2017 was appointed Group Superintendent, where he played 
a key role in guiding the organization and mentoring the next 
generation of Airmen.
  Among his many honors, Chief Master Sergeant VanDriessche received 
two Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Force Commendation Medals, 
and three Air Force Achievement Medals. He was also selected as Weapons 
Technician of the Year twice, in 2006 and 2007.
  Chief Master Sergeant VanDriessche concluded his distinguished 
military career in 2022, after more than three decades of service. He 
continues to support the warfighter today as a civilian employee 
working on behalf of the Department of War in Warren, Michigan. Chief 
Master Sergeant VanDriessche is married and the proud father of two 
children. He remains deeply involved in his community, coaching youth 
football and enjoying teaching, sports, physical fitness, hunting, and 
community service.
  Mr. Speaker, Chief Master Sergeant Michael VanDriessche's career is a 
powerful example of dedication, leadership, and service to our Nation. 
It is my great privilege to recognize his many contributions and to 
honor his remarkable commitment to our country and community as our 
April 2026 Veteran of the Month.

                          ____________________