WASHINGTON, DC – December 7, 2016 – U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James yesterday presented Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA-3) with the Secretary of Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award. Secretary James presented the award to Rep. Tsongas for the Congresswoman’s continued commitment and advocacy work on behalf of the Air Force.

The Secretary of the Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award was established to recognize civilians who have personally made a profound contribution on the national level to advance the progress to the Air Force mission. The award is the Air Force’s highest public service award bestowed to civilians by the Secretary of the Air Force.

“My sincerest gratitude goes to Secretary James and to all the men and women of the United States Air Force. I am humbled to be recognized with this award but more importantly, I am honored to work on their behalf in Congress,” said Rep. Tsongas. “As the daughter of an Air Force colonel, having grown up on military bases around the world, and representing a district with a strong and proud military tradition, I know the challenges faced by military families and have dedicated my time on Capitol Hill to ensuring airmen, and all servicemembers, have the resources they need and the support they deserve. The Air Force continues to be on the cutting edge of defending our nation, as evidenced right here in Massachusetts at places like Hanscom Air Force Base, where they are leading the way with innovative projects to benefit servicemembers and pave the way for more widespread technological breakthroughs. I thank the remarkable men and women of the Air Force for this recognition and especially for their service to our country.”

As a senior member of the House Armed Service Committee, Congresswoman Tsongas has worked across the aisle to ensure servicemembers have the resources, policies and support for continued safety and success here at home and around the world. Her advocacy has led to significant changes in military policy in a number of areas, most notably in addressing military sexual assault.

For example, when the Air Force started the Special Victims Counsel program, which provides sexual assault victims with a lawyer, Congresswoman Tsongas worked to bring it to every branch of the military. Rep. Tsongas has also been a strong advocate for the innovative research and development being undertaken at Massachusetts military installations, in particular Hanscom Air Force Base, the only active duty Air Force base in New England which currently is home to numerous high-tech programs and projects.

Rep. Tsongas is a co-chair of the House Air Force Caucus and also serves on the Air Force Board of Visitors.

Secretary James said: “I am grateful for the outstanding support from our Air Force Caucus co-chairs. The bipartisanship backing we receive in support of the Air Force, its Airmen, and their families allow them to remain the best and ensure an enduring heritage and unlimited horizons for the United States Air Force.”

Below, please find the text of the citation presented to Rep. Tsongas by Secretary James

For exceptionally distinguished public service in support of the Air Force, its Airmen, and their families from November 2007 to present day.  As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and its Military Personnel and Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittees, Representative Tsongas exhibited extraordinary leadership and vision ensuring America’s Air Force remains the pre-eminent air, space, and cyberspace force in the world. As a Co-Chair of the House Air Force Caucus, Representative Tsongas has worked daily with fellow members to invest in the Air Force mission sets and capabilities that are America’s asymmetric advantage.  Also, as Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus, she worked to eliminate sexual assault from our military and provided measures to better prevent and respond to incidents. Further, as a member of the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, she helps ensure our cadets are given the resources and instruction to be future Air Force leaders.  In addition, Representative Tsongas’ legislation expanded technological innovation initiatives ensuring the Air Force will maintain air superiority and global reach into the future.  An unfailing promoter of Air Force innovation, she expanded relationships with companies that have not previously worked with the Department of Defense resulting in more than 7 million dollars in projects targeted toward rapid acquisitions.  Representative Tsongas’ outstanding, career-long contributions have ensured an enduring heritage and unlimited horizons for the United States Air Force.

The Air Force’s press release announcing the award can be found by clicking here.

If you are interested in receiving a larger-size photo, please contact: michael.hartigan@mail.house.gov

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