National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021--Conference

Floor Speech

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Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, for those of us who have the privilege of working in the U.S. Senate, it allows us the opportunity to meet wonderful people who care about their country, who go to work every day and make sure that the country is safe and secure.

One of those individuals, whom I met over the last year--met a year ago and now has worked in my office--is Army LTC Kevin Ryan. He is a member of my staff as an Army fellow participating in the U.S. Army Congressional Fellowship Program.

I want to take a moment to recognize LTC Kevin Ryan's contribution, certainly, to my office, to my capabilities of representing Kansas in the U.S. Senate, but his commitment to the country as well.

Before he departs my office to return to the big Army at the start of the new year, I want to express my appreciation to Colonel Ryan for all of his hard work and his dedication and his service to our country.

Kevin's 14 years of service in the U.S. Army have developed his leadership abilities and shaped his perspective on major defense issues of national significance. These assets and attributes have made him an invaluable asset for our team as we work to serve Kansans, members of the military, and our veterans.

Before joining our office, Kevin's assignments have taken him around the world in service to our country.

Kevin earned his commission from Norwich University, the Military College of Vermont. He has served four combat tours, two in Afghanistan and two in Iraq, and he has also been deployed to Korea, Germany, and Italy. His most recent deployment took him to Iraq in 2017, where he served as a senior intelligence officer for the brigade that assisted Iraqi security forces in the liberation of Mosul from the Islamic State.

Kevin is lucky to have his wife Lindsey, his daughter Colleen, and son John by his side. He is blessed to have their unwavering support.

Kevin joined our team in January of 2019. From day one, he embraced Kansas, its people, and the challenges they face day in and day out. He is well known for displaying his love of Kansas outwardly, often wearing a Kansas necktie in meetings and on Zoom calls.

He has made it a priority to spend time in our State and learn from Kansans so he can bring their thoughts and ideas back to the Nation's Capital. These personal conversations with Kansans and Kevin's experience in the Army helped drive meaningful policy.

He has led the efforts to recognize the important work of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-African-American, all- female battalion to be deployed overseas during World War II. The Six Triple Eight, as this battalion has come to be known, sorted millions of pieces of backlogged mail so the troops serving on the frontlines could hear from families and loved ones. Their efforts boosted morale and directly contributed to our servicemembers' fighting spirit toward the end of the war. Kevin has been a tireless advocate for these women, and I commend his dedication to this cause.

Though I am sad he will be leaving our office at the end of the month, I know he will serve the Army well next year in the Army's programs office, where he will be a highly effective ambassador to Congress for the Army.

Kevin is one of the most impressive military officers I have had the honor of knowing. I hold him in the highest regard, personally and professionally. He is a significant asset to our country and to the U.S. Army. Kevin represents the best the Army has to offer, and I know he will continue to benefit the future of our Nation.

There is no group of people I hold in higher regard than those who serve our Nation, and I want to reiterate my gratitude to Kevin and to his family for their dedication and service to our Nation.

Once again, Kevin, thank you for all you have done for Kansans, all you have done for our team as we serve those Kansans. You have been a model of selfless service and leadership. I know you will continue to do great things throughout your Army career and your life of service, wherever that path may lead.

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