Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-19

CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF MS. SERAFINA DE LOS SANTOS

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Context

On 2026-05-19, Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF MS. SERAFINA DE LOS SANTOS" in the House.

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CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF MS. SERAFINA DE LOS SANTOS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E461] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF MS. SERAFINA DE LOS SANTOS ______ HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the career of a faithful servant to our Nation, Ms. Serafina L. De Los Santos, as she retires from the United States Air Force as the Executive Director to the Commander of the 502nd Force Support Group at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). Ms. De Los Santos selflessly served our Nation in the civilian service for 23 years, dedicating herself to ensuring the highest operational standards for our military. Her commitment to service also extended to the San Antonio community and I am grateful for her contributions to our neighbors. A native of Brownsville, Texas, Ms. De Los Santos' military career began in 1977 when she began a 5-year tenure with the Air Force. Following her departure in 1982, she enrolled as a student at the University of Houston where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 1986. Upon receiving her degree, Ms. De Los Santos was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. She served as an officer until she retired from active duty in 2004 with the rank of Major. Following her retirement, she began her civil service career as the Senior Logistics Officer for the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade. She would remain with the Army until 2010, when she joined the Department of the Air Force's civil service as the Deputy for Installation Support during the transformation of JBSA. In December of 2013, Ms. De Los Santos became the Executive Director to the Commander of the 502nd Force Support Group. As Executive Director, she oversaw the group's budget and personnel across four military installations--JBSA Randolph, JBSA Lackland, JBSA Fort Sam Houston and JBSA Camp Bullis. Additionally, she was responsible for the base's Community Partnership for Transitioning Service Members, Military Spouses and Family Programs. Throughout her career, Ms. De Los Santos received numerous awards and decorations, including the Senior Civilian Service Award, the Commander's Award for Civilian Service and the Meritorious Service Medal. Ms. De Los Santos was also a dedicated community servant. She helped create and maintain partnerships between the community and military, contributing immensely to the continued growth of San Antonio as Military City, U.S.A. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the remarkable career of Ms. Serafina De Los Santos. Her leadership and commitment to our Nation will be long remembered and may future generations of leaders look towards her as a shining example. ____________________

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CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF MS. SERAFINA DE LOS SANTOS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E461] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF MS. SERAFINA DE LOS SANTOS ______ HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the career of a faithful servant to our Nation, Ms. Serafina L. De Los Santos, as she retires from the United States Air Force as the Executive Director to the Commander of the 502nd Force Support Group at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). Ms. De Los Santos selflessly served our Nation in the civilian service for 23 years, dedicating herself to ensuring the highest operational standards for our military. Her commitment to service also extended to the San Antonio community and I am grateful for her contributions to our neighbors. A native of Brownsville, Texas, Ms. De Los Santos' military career began in 1977 when she began a 5-year tenure with the Air Force. Following her departure in 1982, she enrolled as a student at the University of Houston where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 1986. Upon receiving her degree, Ms. De Los Santos was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. She served as an officer until she retired from active duty in 2004 with the rank of Major. Following her retirement, she began her civil service career as the Senior Logistics Officer for the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade. She would remain with the Army until 2010, when she joined the Department of the Air Force's civil service as the Deputy for Installation Support during the transformation of JBSA. In December of 2013, Ms. De Los Santos became the Executive Director to the Commander of the 502nd Force Support Group. As Executive Director, she oversaw the group's budget and personnel across four military installations--JBSA Randolph, JBSA Lackland, JBSA Fort Sam Houston and JBSA Camp Bullis. Additionally, she was responsible for the base's Community Partnership for Transitioning Service Members, Military Spouses and Family Programs. Throughout her career, Ms. De Los Santos received numerous awards and decorations, including the Senior Civilian Service Award, the Commander's Award for Civilian Service and the Meritorious Service Medal. Ms. De Los Santos was also a dedicated community servant. She helped create and maintain partnerships between the community and military, contributing immensely to the continued growth of San Antonio as Military City, U.S.A. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the remarkable career of Ms. Serafina De Los Santos. Her leadership and commitment to our Nation will be long remembered and may future generations of leaders look towards her as a shining example. ____________________