[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING GAVIN DAREK TADE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETH VAN DUYNE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2024

  Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful 
Nation and the Citizens of the Twenty-Fourth District of Texas. The 
2024 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Gavin 
Darek Tade, Colonel, United States Air Force, of Southlake, Texas for 
his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of 
America and for his continued service to his community.
  Colonel Tade was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air 
Force in 1994, serving as an aviator and drone pilot, flying the F-16 
Fighting Falcon and the MQ-9 Reaper. He has served in leadership 
capacities as a Squadron Commander, a Group Commander, Vice-Wing 
Commander, and as a mobilization assistant to four different general 
officers. With over 100 combat hours, he conducted missions over Iraq 
and Afghanistan deploying air-to-ground weapon assets to destroy 
hostile aggressors in the War on Terror.
  Colonel Tade's decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Aerial 
Achievement Medal, the Remote Combat Effects Campaign Medal, the 
Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air 
Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Combat Readiness Medal, the Air Force 
Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces 
Expeditionary Medal, the Leadership Ribbon, the Armed Forces Service 
Medal, the Military Outstanding Voluntary Service Medal, the Air Force 
Longevity Service Award, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Air Force 
Training Ribbon, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
  His dedication to service does not stop with his time in the 
military. He coaches youth football, volunteers with schools and boy 
scout troops, mentors students for future careers in the Air Force, and 
volunteers to clean up trash alongside the road in his community. 
Colonel Tade sponsors ride-along flights for future pilots at the Grand 
Prairie Airport-as well as hosts tours for students interested in 
military service at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth.
  Colonel Tade's service is consistent with the finest traditions of 
the United States Air Force and reflects great credit upon himself, the 
State of Texas, and the United States of America.

                          ____________________