Recognizing Mr. Darrel Fettig

Floor Speech

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Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions and service of Darrel Fettig with United Airlines. After forty-four years of service and nearly three decades of helping travelers visit our nation's capital, Darrel is retiring this week.

Darrel was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Matt and Agnes Fettig, one of nine children. He left Bismarck at 18 and went to ``airline'' school.

His first job was with a regional airline as a ramp agent in Peoria. In 1978, he went to work for the pre-paid desk for Continental Airlines in Denver, and then he moved to Salt Lake City. Darrel skied as much as he could in-between shifts and still has lasting friendships from the seven years he spent in Salt Lake City.

Darrel then came to DCA on a temporary position as a trainer for Continental Airlines. He liked D.C. so much he applied for and got a job as a customer service agent at DCA. Following his time at DCA, Darrel went to the city ticket office in Washington, D.C. for about 10 years, and he was recruited to join the Continental Airlines' Government Affairs team in 1995. Darrel's service spanned major events such as the September 11 attacks, a merger with United Airlines, and global repatriation flight efforts at the start of the 2020 COVID Pandemic.

Throughout his tenure, Darrel has assisted thousands of travelers in Washington, D.C. ensuring the best travel experience between Washington and home each week or assisting with travel changes and challenges--all with a smile and wonderful customer service.

Darrel met his husband Joe working for the airline and they have been together for nearly 30 years.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Darrel Fettig for his dedication to the greater travel community and wishing him a happy retirement.

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