[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3509]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LEADERSHIP OF NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CRESENT HARDY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 21, 2016

  Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of five of 
the most outstanding leaders in our United States Air Force.
  These five men, Major General Jay Silveria, Brigadier General 
Christopher Short, Colonel Richard Boutwell, Colonel Thomas Dempsey, 
and Colonel Aaron Steffens, have all served with honor and distinction 
at Nellis Air Force Base back in my district in southern Nevada.
  For those who do not know, Nellis Air Force Base is the most 
important asset in our Air Force. So important, in fact, that there is 
the oft repeated slogan that, ``As goes Nellis, so goes the United 
States Air Force.''
  And this isn't just some clever saying. Nellis is home to the Air 
Force's most advanced and realistic schools and training exercises. It 
is truly the epicenter of the three T's: testing, tactics, and 
training.
  With the vast array of resources and missions carried out at the 
base, our Airmen are able to take the fight to our enemies with the 
full force and power of the world's greatest Air Force.
  As a freshman Member of Congress, I could not have asked for a better 
cadre of officers to lead the many young servicemembers who call my 
district home. Their principled leadership and dogged determination to 
achieve excellence in every facet of their mission is truly an 
inspiration to everyone in our community.
  It has been a privilege to develop strong working relationships with 
each of these commanders, and to seek their informed counsel on some of 
the most pressing issues affecting the readiness and capabilities of 
our Air Force as well as our national security priorities.
  While I am sad to see them go, I know that they will bring the same 
integrity and leadership to their new commands.
  To Tonto, Junior, Chase, Vader, and Fangs, the nation is grateful for 
your service, and I wish you all the best.
  Aim High.

                          ____________________