[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 170 (Wednesday, September 30, 2020)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E899] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMENDING BRIGADIER GENERAL DAVID A. PIFFARERIO ______ HON. DEBBIE MUCARSEL-POWELL of florida in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 30, 2020 Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Brigadier General David A. Piffarerio for his admirable dedication and selfless service to our Nation. BG Piffarerio will retire from his assignment as Commander of the 482nd Fighter Wing, Air Force Reserve Command, Homestead Air Reserve Base (HARB), Florida on August 2, 2020. BG Piffarerio first took command of the 482nd Fighter Wing at HARB on September 9, 2018. BG Piffarerio's tenure as Commander has marked everlasting change in the City of Homestead. BG Piffarerio was commissioned to the United States Air Force in 1994 as an honor graduate. BG Piffarerio has served as a command pilot with over 3,500 flying hours making him one of the most proficient pilots in aircrafts such as the F-15E. His devotion to flying led him to a major milestone, becoming the first pilot in the Air Force to log 1,000 hours in the F-22 Raptor. BG Piffarerio has dedicated over 13 years on active duty in a variety of F-15E Strike Eagle and F-22 assignments. He was selected as part of the first cadre to test the F-22 during follow-on evaluations in 2002. Shortly after, BG Piffarerio was named program manager and F-22 test director at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. BG Piffarerio was also a part of the initial cadre who stood up the 477th Fighter Group in 2007. He served as the Commander of the 302nd Fighter Squadron, Air Force Reserve Command's 477th Fighter Group, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Prior to assuming command of the 482nd Fighter Wing, BG Piffarerio was the Command Center Director at Joint Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command. This admirable work ethic, experienced operational knowledge, and excellent leadership made him a respected and honorable Commander of the 482nd Fighter Wing. For the community in Florida's Congressional District 26, and the devoted men and women at Homestead Air Reserve Base, BG Piffarerio embodies superior professionalism. He led his members with courage and consistency. Under his respected role, BG Piffarerio commanded over 2,500 personnel members, stemming from active duty Air Force association personnel, traditional reservists, Air Reserve technicians, and full-time civilians. BG Piffarerio also managed wide-ranging tenant units that include the Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing, Detachment 1 Alert Force, Headquarters, Special Operations Command, South (SOCSOUTH), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST 91114), the Florida Army National Guard's 50th Regional Support Group, and members of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). BG Piffarerio's impact reaches far beyond the work at HARB, ensuring the Homestead community benefits as well. He led efforts in enacting positive change within the community by partnering with local businesses, Homestead Hospital, Veterans Affairs, Military Affairs Committee (MAC), the South Dade Chamber of Commerce, and many other community organizations. It has been an honor to have someone of exceptional caliber serve as Commander. On behalf of a grateful nation, I join my colleagues today and congratulate General Piffarerio for a lifetime of service. We wish him, his wife, Jennifer and his son, Bryce, the best wishes on his new journey as Deputy Commander, U.S. Alaskan Command, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. ____________________