RECOGNIZING AND HONORING MAJOR GENERAL DANIEL R. McDONOUGH

On 2026-06-08, Representative Darin LaHood (R-IL-16) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING AND HONORING MAJOR GENERAL DANIEL R. McDONOUGH" in the House.

RECOGNIZING AND HONORING MAJOR GENERAL DANIEL R. McDONOUGH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E538] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING AND HONORING MAJOR GENERAL DANIEL R. McDONOUGH _____ HON. DARIN LaHOOD of illinois in the house of representatives Monday, June 8, 2026 Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize and honor the extraordinary service of Major General Daniel R. McDonough, whose distinguished career has had a lasting impact on Peoria, Illinois, and the United States of America. General McDonough devoted nearly four decades to the United States Air Force and the Illinois Air National Guard, building a legacy of leadership, professionalism, and commitment to mission success. Commissioned through the Academy of Military Science in 1987, he served as a Command Pilot, Instructor, and Evaluator with more than 5,600 flight hours, including nearly 700 combat and combat support hours. Throughout his career, General McDonough served in numerous operational and command roles, flying the OA-37 Dragonfly, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and C-130 Hercules. He deployed multiple times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and commanded the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Illinois is especially grateful for General McDonough's many years of service in Peoria, where he commanded the 169th Airlift Squadron, the 182nd Operations Group, and the 182nd Airlift Wing. Under his leadership, the Wing maintained strong mission readiness and remained a critical part of our Nation's airlift capabilities. In 2022, General McDonough was selected as Assistant Adjutant General-Air and Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard, leading more than 3,000 Airmen across the state. His leadership helped guide important modernization efforts, including the 182nd Airlift Wing's transition to the C-130J Super Hercules. On behalf of the people of Illinois and a grateful Nation, I thank Major General Daniel R. McDonough for his extraordinary service and wish him, his wife Cindy, and their family continued success and happiness in retirement. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his remarkable legacy of leadership and service. ____________________