Recognizing Congressional Patriot Award Recipient Eric Fick

Floor Speech

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Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Eric Thomas Fick of Stafford, Virginia, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Eric has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.

Eric was born at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington and grew up in an Air Force family. From a young age, he had always felt a connection to our servicemembers and wanted to serve our country. Eric attended the University of Notre Dame as a member of its Air Force ROTC program and graduated in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force. Eric served in a variety of roles, including as a mechanical systems engineer for the F-16 fighter, logistics officer, flight test engineer, weapons testing officer, Air Force staff officer, and legislative liaison on Capitol Hill. He has commanded at the Squadron and Group level, and is a three-time Program Executive Officer, culminating with his last assignment from 2019 to 2022, when he was the Program Executive Officer and Director for the F-35 Lightning II Program. In this capacity, he oversaw the development, production, and sustainment of the most advanced fighter jet in the world for 3 U.S. Services, seven international partners, and seven foreign military sales customers. For his meritorious service, Eric received the Legion of Merit, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, and many more awards.

In 2022, Eric retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant General after 31 years of service. He currently serves as the President of Lyten Federal, a super materials applications company that is developing next-generation batteries to power cars, planes, and spacecraft while reducing global emissions. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Christine, his six children, and their two dogs. He also enjoys playing soccer, volleyball, and golf. Eric is an outstanding leader who has made a tremendous impact on the world around us. I am proud of the work he has accomplished, and I wish him continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Eric with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation.

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