Recognizing Chief Master Sergeant Andrew J. Piehl

Floor Speech

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Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, l rise today to honor an outstanding leader and warrior, Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Andrew J. Piehl on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Air Force Reserve. Chief Piehl is the 349th Air Mobility Wing Cyber Operations Superintendent at Travis Air Force Base in California, and has served his nation for more than 35 years of selfless duty.

Chief Piehl started his career as a vehicle operator in 1987, stationed in Texas and Italy. Just three years later, he deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, answering our country's call to face down tyranny in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait. Since then, this proud son of Vacaville, California, served with distinction at Air Force bases across the globe and devoted his life to the service of our great Nation.

In his final job before retirement, he was the principal enlisted advisor for cyber warfighters at the largest tenant wing in Air Force Reserve Command, ensuring airmen were mission-ready to provide dynamic and integrated network defense capabilities, systems management, technical support, and financial management. Chief Piehl was an exceptional senior enlisted leader living by the core values of ``Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.'' He always put his airmen and their needs first.

In addition to Chief Piehl's service, his wife Grace also selflessly served in the Air Force Reserve as a Senior Master Sergeant. She devoted her life to their two children, Shelby and AJ. In all that we do, may we reflect on the many sacrifices of our dual military families and their tireless devotion to duty. I cannot overstate the importance of the support that spouses and families provide to their service members in our Armed Forces. Service and sacrifice are not limited to just the service member, but often extend to the entire family. On behalf of the U.S. Congress and a grateful Nation, we thank Grace, Shelby, and AJ. Although the Air Force will say goodbye to Chief Master Sergeant Piehl, we know that the Piehl family's legacy and devotion to the service of this great Nation will continue for years to come.

I would like to help close out the final chapter of this inspiring Soldier and Joint Force leader's career with a heartfelt thank you from all the men and women of the U.S. Congress and Nation. Thank you, Chief Master Sergeant Piehl, for your 35 years of service to the Air Force and the Travis Air Force Base community, and congratulations on your retirement. We wish you well in your future endeavors.

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