[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 14891-14892]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                IN RECOGNITION OF CAPTAIN GABRIEL GRIESS

 Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, I rise today to offer 
my congratulations to a Nebraska native son. This gentleman is among 
the many who honor our Nation through their service in our Armed Forces 
and I am very pleased to have this opportunity to pay tribute to him.
  As our Nation faces threats abroad and our military men and women 
fight to keep us safe, it is important for us to never forget the 
sacrifices made in our defense. These men and women give up a great 
deal to protect our Nation and we owe them a debt of gratitude that can 
never be fully repaid.
  Today, it is my honor to offer my heartfelt congratulations to one of 
their number, CAPT Gabriel Griess, a hometown Nebraska hero. Captain 
Griess is a proud member of the U.S. Air Force and he has recently been 
named the 15th Air Force Company Grade Officer of the Year for 2002. 
This was no easy accomplishment as the criteria for the award ensures 
that only

[[Page 14892]]

the best of the best are eligible for consideration. To meet those 
criteria, Captain Griess had to show clear drive, pursuit of self-
improvement, and involvement in base and community activities. Captain 
Griess met and exceeded all expectations.
  He was awarded this title based on his dedication, leadership, and 
professionalism. Captain Griess' military history speaks volumes about 
the confidence placed in him by his superiors. He was deployed twice in 
2002 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; given missions such as 
tracking down al-Qaida leaders, and evacuating critically injured 
troops from combat zones. He provided support during Operation Anaconda 
by flying in critical supplies, destroying al-Qaida strongholds, and 
providing air support for ground troops. He has earned three Air Medals 
and two Aerial Achievement Medals for his valiant work.
  But perhaps more importantly, he has won the respect of his peers. As 
an instructor navigator with the 317th Airlift Group at Dyess Air Force 
Base in Texas, he is recognized as the ``go to'' guy, an officer who 
will work as part of the team to meet the challenges ahead.
  As our military efforts continue in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other 
regions around the world, we rely on the men and women in uniform to 
make our Nation safe. With soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines of 
the caliber of Captain Griess, I can say with complete confidence our 
Nation is secure.
  I congratulate Captain Griess on this recognition he has so 
deservedly received. It is truly an honor for him and his 
family.

                          ____________________