[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1131] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: SENATE
Mrs. BLACKBURN: I rise today to honor a fellow Tennessean, a great American, and an exceptional member of the U.S. Air Force. Lt. Col. John D. ``Ike'' Fesler has distinguished himself through his professional character and dedication by serving this Nation in uniform. A leader and expert communicator, he has provided distinguished service to our country while assigned to the Air Force Senate Liaison Office. He is an outstanding leader and the perfect airman to represent the Air Force on Capitol Hill. Ike has honorably served in the Air National Guard and Navy for over 27 years in both the enlisted and officer ranks; during this time, he has led hundreds of airmen in support of U.S. Air Force missions worldwide. Throughout his career, Ike has demonstrated exceptional, unrivaled officership. During his time as director of operations, course director, and flight commander at the Academy of Military Science, Maxwell AFB, AL., he commissioned more than 150 Air National Guard officers. Ike spent 4 years in the White House Military Office, his last title being Director of Staff, Policy Plans and Requirements, a position where he led the human resource operations for a 250-person organization comprised of five military services, five billet sponsors, and numerous contract client partners, ensuring execution of Presidential continuity of operations were uninterrupted. Additionally, in direct support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, Ike was the deputy chief, public affairs at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center, ensuring our fallen heroes were provided the dignified treatment they deserved. As a legislative liaison in the Air Force Senate Liaison Office from April 2021 to April 2023, Lieutenant Colonel Fesler performed his duties well and without reservation supporting the 117th and 118th U.S. Congresses. His strategic thinking and foresight helped to strengthen and improve our national security. Ike accomplished this utilizing his in-depth Air Force knowledge with numerous engagements between Congress and the Department of the Air Force. Ike expertly conveyed Department of the Air Force positions on the Air Force Future Design that included the future bomber, tanker, and fighter force. Ike's direct support provided the U.S. Senate critical information necessary for two National Defense Authorization Acts. His efforts helped solidify the U.S. Space Force, ensure the confirmation of the 26th Air Force Secretary and ensured the Department of the Air Force's support of the National Defense Strategy in our return to great power competition. Lieutenant Colonel Fesler planned and led numerous delegations for members of Congress on visits all over the world. In fact, I became acquainted with Ike in the run up to my recent official visit to Europe. Anyone who has attended one of these delegation trips knows that while the planning is stressful, the execution is downright arduous. But Ike persevered with a smile, gave 100 percent, and the trip went off without a hitch. Due to his direct involvement and stewardship of this delegation and others like it, Members of Congress were able to make informed decisions on issues of national defense, tech policy, and other culturally significant questions and of course ensure the Department of the Air Force was properly resourced and funded, along with their brothers and sisters in arms across the Armed Forces. After serving in this crucial role for the past 2 years and becoming a fixture on Capitol Hill, Lieutenant Colonel Fesler will retire from Active-Duty service. Ike has sacrificed much in service to our Nation. I am thankful for Ike's service and his work with my office and the Senate over the past 2 years on issues of vital importance to the United States. I salute this American patriot whose selfless service has kept our country safe and strong.