RECOGNIZING MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT SCOTT A. PIFER

RECOGNIZING MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT SCOTT A. PIFER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 57 (Thursday, March 26, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 57 (Thursday, March 26, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E276-E277] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT SCOTT A. PIFER ______ HON. SCOTT PERRY of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Thursday, March 26, 2026 Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate Master Gunnery Sergeant Scott A. Pifer upon the occasion of his retirement from the United States Marine Corps after 26 years of selfless and dedicated service. [[Page E277]] A native of New Kingstown, Pennsylvania. Master Gunnery Sergeant Pifer enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 2000 and entered Recruit Training at Parris Island. After superiors noticed his professionalism, leadership, and promotions while serving under Marine Aircraft Control Group 24 in Hawaii, he was selected for the Marine Corps Embassy Group. Between 2003 and 2006, he served as a Marine Security Guard at the U.S. Mission in Switzerland and the U.S. Embassy in Russia, where he protected personnel and information crucial to our National security. Master Gunnery Sergeant Pifer later served as a J-3 Deputy Director of Regional Operations at the Pentagon in the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During his illustrious career, he deployed to Japan with the Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron and the U.S. 7th Fleet (2002 and 2009), to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (2011-2012), and to Qatar in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (2017). Master Gunnery Sergeant Pifer earned a multitude of awards and decorations, to include the: Defense Meritorious Service Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal (2nd award); Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3rd Award); and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (8th Award). His administrative leadership at the squadron, battalion, regimental, and Marine Expeditionary Force levels has been instrumental in enhancing Marine air-ground task force combat effectiveness. In 2017, Master Gunnery Sergeant Pifer was selected for the Congressional Fellowship Program and served as a Fellow in the House of Representatives. He also completed a tour with the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command, where he managed personnel requirements as a military liaison officer. At the time of his retirement, Master Gunnery Sergeant Pifer serves as the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Installation Personnel Administration Center at the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Arizona, where he oversees primary administrative operations and ensures personnel readiness for over 3,000 Marines and Sailors. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Master Gunnery Sergeant Scott A. Pifer upon the auspicious occasion of his retirement from the United States Marine Corps after 26 years of honorable, tireless, and selfless service. His vast assignments allowed him to operate and engage in more than 20 countries, broadening his perspective and reinforcing the importance of service, diplomacy, and leadership at every level. The relationships he has fostered and the Marines he developed throughout decades of service guided by the Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment leave a legacy that will endure long after his retirement and set the standard by which all should be judged.