[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF MS. SERAFINA DE LOS SANTOS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 2026

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the 
career of a faithful servant to our Nation, Ms. Serafina L. De Los 
Santos, as she retires from the United States Air Force as the 
Executive Director to the Commander of the 502nd Force Support Group at 
Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). Ms. De Los Santos selflessly served our 
Nation in the civilian service for 23 years, dedicating herself to 
ensuring the highest operational standards for our military. Her 
commitment to service also extended to the San Antonio community and I 
am grateful for her contributions to our neighbors.
  A native of Brownsville, Texas, Ms. De Los Santos' military career 
began in 1977 when she began a 5-year tenure with the Air Force. 
Following her departure in 1982, she enrolled as a student at the 
University of Houston where she earned a Bachelor of Science in 
Political Science in 1986.
  Upon receiving her degree, Ms. De Los Santos was commissioned as an 
officer in the United States Army. She served as an officer until she 
retired from active duty in 2004 with the rank of Major. Following her 
retirement, she began her civil service career as the Senior Logistics 
Officer for the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade. She would remain 
with the Army until 2010, when she joined the Department of the Air 
Force's civil service as the Deputy for Installation Support during the 
transformation of JBSA. In December of 2013, Ms. De Los Santos became 
the Executive Director to the Commander of the 502nd Force Support 
Group.
  As Executive Director, she oversaw the group's budget and personnel 
across four military installations--JBSA Randolph, JBSA Lackland, JBSA 
Fort Sam Houston and JBSA Camp Bullis. Additionally, she was 
responsible for the base's Community Partnership for Transitioning 
Service Members, Military Spouses and Family Programs.
  Throughout her career, Ms. De Los Santos received numerous awards and 
decorations, including the Senior Civilian Service Award, the 
Commander's Award for Civilian Service and the Meritorious Service 
Medal. Ms. De Los Santos was also a dedicated community servant. She 
helped create and maintain partnerships between the community and 
military, contributing immensely to the continued growth of San Antonio 
as Military City, U.S.A.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the remarkable career of 
Ms. Serafina De Los Santos. Her leadership and commitment to our Nation 
will be long remembered and may future generations of leaders look 
towards her as a shining example.

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