Recognizing Senior Master Sergeant Mark Anthony Lee, Usaf, Retired, with A Congressional Veteran Commendation

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to present retired USAF Senior Master Sergeant Mark Anthony Lee, of Pflugerville, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. It is a privilege to salute an exemplary soldier and citizen.

Born at Harlingen Air Force Base, Texas, retired USAF Senior Master Sergeant Lee literally grew up in the Air Force. Enlisting in 1979, nineteen-year-old Mark Lee began his own journey, serving in multiple roles and special assignments in Electronic Security Command, including Air Force Cryptologic Support Center, Space Systems, U2 Black Cat Reconnaissance, Space Shuttle, Minuteman missile, and other electronic warfare programs. His numerous awards included NCO of the Year. Transferred to 36th Fighter Air Base, Germany, as Wing Materials Management Officer, supporting four squadrons of F-15 Eagle Fighter Aircraft and 10,000 base personnel, Mark led all Europe with aircraft highest mission readiness, and was selected to represent USAF Europe in developing and implementing new Air Force Supply Management directives and training.

Transferred to Lackland Air Force Base as Materials Management Officer, Mark's expertise saved millions of dollars and thousands of labor hours. His final transfer was to Randolph Air Force Base as Chief, Regional Aircraft Logistics, functionally managing over thirteen Logistics Groups, and coordinating with Engine Repair facilities to ensure requisition, repair, and delivery to production--resulting in 100 percent mission readiness. Mark deployed with Operations Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, and Northern Watch. He earned the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal-3, Air Force Commendation Medal-4, Air Force Achievement Medal, Armed Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal-2, and Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Retiring in 1998, Mark is a mainstay of community support--especially for young people and those in need. He helped local FFA students with funding, transportation, and animal maintenance. For eight years he has worked establishing a meals account for children at a local elementary school. Mark regularly collects and distributes food to low-income families and organizes annual Food Pantry drives. Mark raises and donates funds for children with cancer and people in need and helps maintain the local cemetery. Recognized by the Pflugerville Police Department for Outstanding Service to the Community, he is the 2nd Vice Commander of Kerlin-Lyerly American Legion Post 154, and a recipient of its Certification of Appreciation (2016-2022) and 2023 Legionnaire of the Year.

I am honored to award retired USAF Senior Master Sergeant Mark Anthony Lee with a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source