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[Page S5601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Tribute to Colonel Scott Grant
Mr. JONES. Madam President, one of the great privileges that I have
enjoyed as a U.S. Senator and a member of the Senate Armed Services
Committee has been the opportunity to get to know and support our men
and women in uniform. I have been proud to represent the people of the
great State of Alabama, a State where patriotism runs deep and for whom
service is a way of life.
Col. Scott Grant, U.S. Air Force, is a perfect example. Colonel Grant
retired this summer, and since I was not able to attend his retirement
ceremony this past Saturday, I decided I would say here what I wanted
to say there, in the hangar in Birmingham, AL, where he had spent the
last few years of his career.
Colonel Grant retired as the commander of the 117th Air Refueling
Wing, Alabama Air National Guard, Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard
Base in Birmingham, AL.
The 117th was the first military installation that I visited after my
election in 2017 and swearing-in, in January of 2018. I can tell you,
at that first visit, Colonel Grant set a pretty high bar for the future
visits I would have to the many other military installations in
Alabama, and we have quite a few. He set a high bar for those I would
meet later because of his dedication to his unit, to his mission, and
to the men and women he commanded.
It was immediately apparent--his dedication and professionalism--and
it has guided his every decision in all our interactions over the next
2\1/2\ years. Scott's unwavering commitment to excellence earned him
the respect of all those who served with him, but his genuine love for
the men and women who served under his command earned him their
affection. In other words, Col. Scott Grant had and has his priorities
in order, and everyone who knew him and met him could see that
immediately.
In 2019, the 117th won STRATCOM's Omaha Trophy. The Omaha Trophy is
one of the most prestigious awards in the military. It was the first
time that an Air National Guard unit had received this prestigious
award. Then STRATCOM Commander Gen. John Hyten said: ``The Omaha Trophy
represents the best of the best in units executing strategic
deterrence.''
The 117th won in the area of strategic aircraft for their many
missions around the world protecting America. It was an award that the
unit and Colonel Grant richly deserved. I was really honored to be
present at that awards ceremony, and I can remember, as Brigadier
General Stevenson said: ``To put it simply, the 117th Air Refueling
Wing was the most outstanding in their Nuclear Operational Readiness
Inspection and their dedication to the mission itself. As a traditional
guard unit, but with a total force, they have accomplished unique tasks
and in an innovative way that we absolutely need to meet future
challenges that STRATCOM faces.'' True to form, in his acceptance
speech, Scott gave the credit to the men and women in his command.
With 7,000 military flight hours, Scott's deployments have spanned
the globe, and his awards and decorations are almost too numerous to
list. Here are just a few: the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the
Meritorious Service Medal with two oakleaf clusters, Air Medal with
seven oakleaf clusters, Aerial Achievement Medal with two oakleaf
clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and two oakleaf
clusters, Combat Readiness Medal with 10 oakleaf clusters, National
Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star, the Southwest Asia Service
Medal with three Bronze Stars, the Kosovo Campaign Medal with one
Bronze Star, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one Bronze Star, the
Iraq Campaign Medal with one Bronze Star, the Humanitarian Service
Medal, the Alabama National Emergency Service Medal and Service Medal
with one device, the Alabama Special Service Medal--and the list just
goes on and on.
We could be here all night, but I will stop there and just say that,
rated as a command pilot and an instructor, Colonel Grant has been
described as a pilot's pilot, one from whom you learn something every
time you fly with him.
So it is good news for the Air Force. The good-news-bad-news story:
The bad news is the retirement from the 117th, but the good news is, in
his retirement, Colonel Grant is going to continue training airmen on
the KC-135 simulators in Oklahoma.
Scott, you have served your country with honor and distinction, and
you are a credit to the State of Alabama and the United States of
America. It is my great honor to call you a friend. Thank you.
Congratulations on an outstanding career. Best wishes for clear skies
in retirement, and although I did not serve in the military, I salute
you, sir.