RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT COLONEL MICHAEL JACOB SLAVENS, U.S. AIR FORCE, (RET.), WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

On 2026-10-13, Representative Pete Sessions (R-TX-17) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT COLONEL MICHAEL JACOB SLAVENS, U.S. AIR FORCE, (RET.), WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION" in the House.

RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT COLONEL MICHAEL JACOB SLAVENS, U.S. AIR FORCE, (RET.), WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1080] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT COLONEL MICHAEL JACOB SLAVENS, U.S. AIR FORCE, (RET.), WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION ______ HON. PETE SESSIONS of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to present retired Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jacob Slavens, USAF (Ret.), of Waco, Texas, with a 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation. Michael's distinguished 22-year military career, exceptional leadership, and continued dedication to veterans, students, and his community reflect the duty, honor, and commitment that exemplify the very best of our Texas values. Michael graduated from Baylor University and Baylor Air Force ROTC in 1973 and entered Air Force pilot training at Webb Air Force Base, Texas. Michael subsequently completed KC-135A pilot training and began his career as a co-pilot with the 46th Air Refueling Squadron at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan. Michael later completed the Strategic Air Command Combat Training Course as a distinguished graduate and served with the 410th Bombardment Wing as Chief of KC-135 Emergency War Order Operations. In that position, Michael trained more than 150 combat aircrew members and staff in emergency war procedures supporting nuclear and contingency operations, Michael's performance earned his unit three consecutive Outstanding ratings from the Strategic Air Command Inspector General, the highest rating given by the command. Michael went on to serve with the 39th Tactical Group at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, where he excelled during United States Air Force-Europe (USAFE) and NATO inspections and served in critical emergency operations positions. Michael later attended Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base before joining the Strategic Air Command Operations Staff, where he worked to improve command center operations. During his final Air Force assignment with the Air Force Combat Operations Staff, Michael served in several senior operational positions, including Senior Air Force Duty Officer, Deputy Chief of Current Operations, Chief of the Headquarters Air Force Current Operations Team, and Deputy Chief of the Air Force Operations Support Center. Throughout his military career, Michael was repeatedly recognized for his leadership, technical expertise, judgment, and ability to perform under pressure. Michael's innovative work included developing a 21st century technology upgrade designed to improve situational awareness for the Air Force Chief of Staff. That effort subsequently became a Department of Defense prototype, demonstrating his ability to identify operational challenges and develop innovative solutions that enhanced national defense capabilities. Michael's military service was recognized with numerous decorations and awards, including three Meritorious Service Medals, Air Force Outstanding Unit and Organizational Excellence Awards, the Combat Readiness Medal. National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbons, Air Force Longevity Service Award, and Air Force Training Ribbon. Michael also pursued extensive education throughout his military career and beyond. Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Baylor University and a Master of Science in Public Administration from Troy State University. Michael's professional military education included Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College. After retiring from active military service in 1996 and completing a subsequent career as a Department of Defense contractor, Michael relocated to Waco in 2016 and quickly became deeply involved in the community. In 2017, Michael joined the Heart of Texas Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. Within a year, he was selected to serve on the chapter's Board of Directors and subsequently served as Second Vice President, First Vice President, and President in 2022 and 2023. Under his leadership, Michael helped expand the chapter's support for veterans' service organizations while maintaining scholarship assistance for veterans and their dependents and supporting JROTC programs and Baylor ROTC. Michael's leadership has had a measurable impact on veteran organizations in the Waco area. During his presidency, the chapter substantially increased its financial support for veteran service organizations and secured additional MOAA Community Outreach Grants benefiting Veterans One Stop and the James Connally Flight of the Order of Daedalians. In 2026, Michael was again asked to serve as chapter president. Michael's contributions have also included editorial and website work for the chapter, efforts that helped the organization receive the highest-level national MOAA recognition for its newsletter and website. Michael's service was further recognized when he was named a ``Local Hero'' during Veterans Appreciation Day at Baylor Ballpark. Michael's commitment to education and young people is equally significant. He serves on the Baylor ROTC Detachment 810 alumni scholarship evaluation committee, participates in Baylor's Pro-Sales Evaluation Program by providing students with evaluations and critiques of their presentations, and works with Baylor's Lifelong Learning Committee to identify and coordinate future educational programs. Through these efforts, Michael continues to mentor students and encourage the next generation of leaders. Michael's life demonstrates that service does not end with military retirement. From his distinguished career as an Air Force pilot and senior operations officer to his continued leadership on behalf of veterans, support for ROTC and JROTC programs, and service to students within the broader Waco community, Michael has consistently answered the call to serve. Michael's record reflects not only professional excellence, but also a lifelong commitment to the principle of ``Duty, Honor, Country-- Always Serving.'' It is this extraordinary record of military service, leadership, innovation, mentorship, and continued devotion to veterans and his community that I proudly commend Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jacob Slavens of Waco, Texas, to his friends, family, community, and country. Michael's lifelong commitment to service embodies the spirit of the Congressional Veteran Commendation, and it is my honor to recognize him with the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas. ____________________