Pat Harrigan: “I rise today to honor Colonel Len Litton, a decorated combat pilot, national security expert, and proud son of North…”

“I rise today to honor Colonel Len Litton, a decorated combat pilot, national security expert, and proud son of North Carolina who has spent his entire life in service to our Nation. Born in Banner Elk and raised in Shelby, Len joined the Air Force out of The Citadel. Over a 25-year career, he flew the A-10 and B-2, trained the next generation of pilots, and led some of the most complex and high-stakes missions in our arsenal. At every level, he brought discipline, precision, and an unshakable sense of duty. When his time in uniform ended, his service didn't. In the White House, the Pentagon, and across the Department of Defense, Colonel Litton became the go-to leader for problems that demanded results. Most recently, he led the effort to eliminate DEI mandates from the Pentagon's personnel system, refocusing it on what matters: merit, unity, and mission readiness. Colonel Litton never sought credit. He just did the job quietly, effectively, and always in the best interests of our country. Mr. Speaker, I thank him for a lifetime of selfless service, and I wish him fair winds and Godspeed.”