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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO COMMAND CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT ERICKA E. KELLY
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HON. KEN CALVERT
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, today I wish to recognize Command Chief
Master Sergeant Ericka E. Kelly, upon her retirement after 32 years of
distinguished military service to our great Nation in the United States
Air Force and Air Force Reserve.
Chief Kelly's career culminated with her final assignment as both the
Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the Air Force Reserve,
Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., and Command Chief of the
Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. Chief Kelly
represents the highest enlisted executive level of leadership in Air
Force Reserve Command and advises the commander on all issues regarding
the readiness, training, welfare, morale, proper utilization and
progress of more than 55,000 enlisted Citizen Airmen. She also provides
direction to the Reserve force and represents their interests at all
levels of government to other military branches and in joint strategic
and operational war-fighting environments.
Chief Master Sergeant Kelly came from exceptionally humble beginnings
in Guatemala and overcame extreme adversity to achieve her American
dream. Immigrating to the United States at the age of 12, she had to
work full-time to help support her family before finishing high school
at night to earn her diploma. Knowing from a young age she wanted to
serve in our nation's military, her dogged determination is the epitome
of personal resilience.
Chief Kelly's career began in the medical field as a medical services
specialist. Recognizing her talents, the Air Force challenged her
through increased responsibilities and she continued to grow and excel
as an aeromedical evacuation crew member with over 1,400 flight hours
on various airframes. Chief Kelly has deployed numerous times in
support of contingency operations around the world including Restore
Hope and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
In addition to her military service, Chief Kelly has more than 20
years of government, management and law enforcement experience. She has
served as a field agent and criminal investigator for the Department of
Justice in numerous agencies including the Office of Professional
Responsibility. She is also a John Maxwell certified speaker, coach and
trainer.
Throughout her tenure, Chief Kelly has been instrumental in
advocating for Reservists across the globe and strengthening the total
force team. She has ensured Air Force Reserve interests and total force
solutions were highlighted and incorporated into decisions made at the
highest levels of the Air Force guaranteeing Air Force Reserve Airmen
were ready to answer our nation's call.
Due to Chief Master Sergeant Ericka Kelly's visionary leadership,
foresight and ceaseless efforts, the Air Force, the Department of
Defense, and the Nation will long reap the benefits of her many years
of service. It is experienced, dedicated, professional Citizen Airmen
like Chief Master Sergeant Kelly who make the Department of Defense and
the Air Force Reserve the outstanding institutions that they are today.
Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress and a grateful
Nation, I extend our deepest appreciation to Chief Master Sergeant
Ericka E. Kelly for her many years of dedicated service. There is no
question the Air Force, Department of Defense, and the United States
benefited greatly from Chief Kelly's visionary leadership, planning and
foresight, and we wish her the very best.
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