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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN RECOGNITION OF MAJOR GENERAL CLINTON CROSIER
______
HON. MIKE ROGERS
of alabama
in the house of representatives
Monday, June 15, 2020
Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Major
General Clinton E. Crosier, United States Space Force.
On Friday, December 20, 2019, President Donald Trump signed into law
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, creating
the sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States
Space Force. This was a historic moment; a watershed step to increasing
our ability to protect and defend the American way of life. I can say,
without a doubt, this would not have happened as swiftly and smoothly
as it did without Clint's leadership as Director of the DOD Space Force
Planning Task Force.
So how did a boy from Iowa grow up to help create the Space Force?
Well, while he was traveling the world with his military family, he
always had his eyes on the sky. When he began his collegiate education
at Iowa State, he undertook a really easy major, aerospace engineering,
and then sought out a commission in the United States Air Force in 1988
where he ultimately wound up flying satellites and launching rockets.
He quickly earned top honors in multiple space training schools and
developed satellite-commanding processes that became the new Air Force
standard. He then served in the United States Senate where he authored
key Congressional language that improved the national space enterprise,
and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense he was main interface to
the National Security Council, charged with rebalancing America's space
intelligence architecture. As the signature authority for dozens of
international agreements with Allies, he improved United States space
capabilities, and represented the United States at key meetings with
North Atlantic Treaty Organization and United Nations.
With this breadth of experience, it's no wonder he was selected as
the lead planner for the Presidentially-directed United States Space
Force, coordinating efforts to shape the Congressional authorization of
the first new military service in 72 years. Together with his team, he
led the development of; the macro-organizational design, the stand-up
of the initial force elements, the funding and manpower requirements,
and the implementation of the policies and processes that governed the
establishment of the United States Space Force.
His military awards include the Bronze Star combat medal for a
yearlong deployment to the Middle East, the National Reconnaissance
Office Director's Gold Medal, the Iowa State University Aerospace
Engineering Department Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Lance P.
Sijan Leadership award. This career of accolades is only possibly
through the incredible support of his family: his wife, Mrs. Shelle
Crosier, and their three children: Clint, Stephanie and Kellie, along
with six grandchildren.
Major General Crosier distinguished himself over 33 years of military
service, representing the United States of America with the highest
honor and distinction. Major General Crosier, as the ``architect of the
Space Force,'' is an inspiration for all of us who stand ready to serve
our great country. We are grateful for his unique vision and
commitment. I thank Major General Crosier. America will continue to
defend the highest ground, and the Space Force will thrive, because of
your noble efforts.
____________________
