Recognizing Colonel Kenny Cushing

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Colonel Kenny Cushing's honorable service to this Nation.

Colonel Kenny Cushing retired from our United States Air Force on June 1, 2024, after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 1996 and serving over 20 years on active duty, the Reserves, and in the Air National Guard. During his career, Colonel Cushing achieved many accolades and impacted our Nation in many ways. Kenny was a distinguished graduate from many of his Air Force programs to include being the Top Graduate from his intelligence officer school class and a distinguished graduate from the USAF Weapons School, the Air Force's ``Top Gun''.

Colonel Cushing served in increasing assignments of responsibility, to include multiple deployments, throughout his career. He concluded his career as the senior military officer assigned to the new Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at the Department of Homeland Security. Handpicked by the Department of Defense during the initial creation of CISA by President Trump, Colonel Cushing led critical interagency coordination of national cybersecurity plans. During COVID, he led collaboration efforts between agencies, ensuring smooth flow of information, and informed vaccine distribution decisions. Colonel Cushing was the Commander of the Cyber Coordination Element for the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security for historic President of the United States elections in 2020, laying the groundwork for successful elections protection. His talent and impact moved us years ahead in mission assurance, intelligence exchange, and cyber teaming.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing Colonel Cushing's outstanding service. May God bless Kenny in all his future endeavors.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source