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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO MAJOR CHRISTIE PAPILLA CUNNINGHAM
______
HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Friday, July 24, 2020
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to Major
Christie Papilla Cunningham for her exemplary dedication to duty and
service as she transitions from her previous position as a
Congressional Budget Liaison for the Assistant Secretary of the Army
(Financial Management and Comptroller).
A native of Los Angeles, California, Major Cunningham was
commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer upon her graduation
from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Business Administration. She has also earned a Master's
degree in Legislative Affairs from the George Washington University.
For the past 13 years, Major Cunningham has honorably served in
command and staff positions in the California Army National Guard, U.S.
Army Forces Command, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, U.S. Army
Cyber Command, and the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command. She
has been assigned to Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Fort Bragg, North
Carolina; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; and Fort Meade, Maryland. Christie
deployed to Afghanistan twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom,
first as the Executive Officer for the Bagram Theater Joint
Interrogation Facility and then as the Joint Intelligence Officer for
Joint Task Force Paladin South, a Counter-Improvised Explosive Device
Task Force in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
In 2018, Major Cunningham was assigned as a Congressional Budget
Liaison for the U.S. Army's Assistant Secretary of the Army for
Financial Management and Comptroller. In this role, Christie
effectively managed the Army's Research, Development, Test, and
Evaluation portfolio and worked tirelessly with Members of Congress and
their staffs to accurately articulate the Army's budget position to the
Appropriations Committees. Christie's professionalism, integrity, and
dedication to the mission are unmatched.
Christie cherishes family. Her husband, Patrick, also an active duty
Major in the U.S. Army, and her children, Esai, Kai, Kaleo, and Kira,
are the foundation of Christie's success. As we know, military families
share in the sacrifices made by our servicemembers. The Cunninghams'
selfless service to the U.S. Army and to their community is a shining
example of what makes our military the best in the world.
Throughout her career, Major Cunningham has positively impacted
countless soldiers of all ranks. Our country has benefited tremendously
from her extraordinary leadership, intelligence, and passion. I join my
colleagues today in honoring her dedication to our nation and her
invaluable service to the U.S. Congress as a Congressional Budget
Liaison.
I must also note that, as a Defense Legislative Fellow in my office,
Major Cunningham consistently provided me with sage advice and quickly
became a trusted source of counsel to me, my personal staff, and the
House Appropriations Committee. Christie's sterling intellect,
versatility, and team-first disposition proved indispensable in
addressing the number of challenging tasks placed before her. Further,
her incomparable work ethic, poise under pressure, and generosity will
be sorely missed. To put it simply, Major Cunningham's performance as a
Defense Legislative Fellow was outstanding and reflects great credit
upon the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense. I am deeply
appreciative of her contributions to my office and the U.S. Congress.
Madam Speaker, it has been a genuine pleasure to have worked with
Major Cunningham. On behalf of a grateful nation, I recognize and
commend Christie for her service to our country and I wish her all the
best as she continues her service in the U.S. Army.
____________________
