RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES AIR FORCE SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT CHARLES M. NITZ

RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES AIR FORCE SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT CHARLES M. NITZ

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 47 (Monday, March 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 47 (Monday, March 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E220] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES AIR FORCE SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT CHARLES M. NITZ _____ HON. LISA C. McCLAIN of michigan in the house of representatives Monday, March 16, 2026 Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Senior Master Sergeant Charles M. Nitz for his distinguished service to our Nation and community and to honor him as our March 2026 Veteran of the Month. His decades of service reflect a steadfast dedication to duty, leadership, and service to others. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Senior Master Sergeant Nitz entered Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in 1984. He completed technical training and was assigned to the 81st Component Repair Squadron in the United Kingdom, where he earned the John L. Levitow Honor Graduate Award, demonstrating his commitment to excellence early in his career. In 1988, Mr. Nitz was assigned to K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan, serving as a Flightline Maintenance Technician and supported the Advanced Cruise Missile test flight program. He was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of the Noncommissioned Officer Leadership School at Grissom Air Force Base, Indiana, and earned the title of Strategic Air Command Master Technician. Throughout his career, Senior Master Sergeant Nitz held key leadership and operational roles in Germany, Maryland, Korea, and California. He oversaw maintenance and support for mission-critical intelligence systems, implemented protective modifications for aircrews during operations in Bosnia, and ensured successful unmanned aerial vehicle missions in support of Air Intelligence Agency and NATO operations, reflecting his commitment to mission success and the safety of others. After his promotion to Senior Master Sergeant in 2002, Mr. Nitz served as Maintenance Operations Flight Chief at the 352d Maintenance Squadron in the United Kingdom. His leadership contributed to the unit earning an overall ``Excellent'' rating during the 2005 Operational Readiness Inspection. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal. Following his retirement from the Air Force in 2006, Mr. Nitz returned to Michigan and continued serving his community as an instructor with the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps in Melvindale. He currently serves as Supervisor of Operations at the U.S. Secret Service Detroit Field Office. Mr. Nitz lives in Macomb Township with his wife of 41 years, Lisa. They are proud parents of two daughters and grandparents to six grandchildren. Together, they enjoy traveling, biking, and spending time with their family. Mr. Speaker, Senior Master Sergeant Charles M. Nitz's decades of dedicated service, both in uniform and in his community, exemplify honor, leadership, and commitment to our Nation. It is my great privilege to recognize him and to honor his service as our March 2026 Veteran of the Month. ____________________