TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL MICHAEL R. BERRY

On 2025-04-03, Senator Christopher A. Coons (D-DE) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL MICHAEL R. BERRY" in the Senate.

TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL MICHAEL R. BERRY

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 60 (Thursday, April 3, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 60 (Thursday, April 3, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S2169] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL MICHAEL R. BERRY Mr. COONS. Madam President, today I would like to talk about MG Michael R. Berry of the Delaware National Guard. Major General Berry is recommended for the Army Distinguished Service Medal for his exemplary meritorious service as the Adjutant General (TAG) for the Delaware National Guard (DENG). As the 35th Adjutant General of Delaware, Major General Berry's steadfast leadership, expertise in strategic planning, and keen operational oversight have sustained and grown the DENG as a reliable and effective force ready to respond to both State and national challenges and emergencies. Throughout his tenure, Major General Berry ensured that DENG members and their equipment were always ready to respond and deploy in support of nations across the globe. During his time as TAG, the Delaware Army National Guard (DEARNG) deployed over 500 soldiers to Kuwait, Romania, Kosovo, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. Additionally, the Delaware Air National Guard (DANG) deployed over 800 airmen in support of six combatant commands. Major General Berry's leadership was also crucial as demands for the National Guard reached unprecedented levels during the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest, both in the Delaware and our Nation's Capital. Under Major General Berry's leadership, the DENG was heavily relied upon to administer vaccinations and COVID-19 tests and to manage test sites for hundreds of thousands of panic-stricken citizens. Major General Berry also led the DENG as it supported several food distribution sites, conducted a contact tracing mission, and supported a nursing assistant program to fill the crucial void of nurses needed to combat the pandemic. Major General Berry also provided guidance and direction to support our Nation's Capital during the attempted insurrection on January 6, 2021, as well as support for the 59th and 60th Presidential inaugurations. Major General Berry's deployment of soldiers and airmen to Washington with little notice was critical in restoring order and helping facilitate peaceful inaugurations during these two periods. In an effort to remain ready and relevant in aviation, Major General Berry led the DANG in two fleet conversions that included the acquisition of eight C-130H2.5 models and seven C-130H3 models totaling $450 million. These aircraft were critical in the modernization of the DANG's fleet, helping to decrease maintenance requirements and increase flight time. Major General Berry also led the acquisition of a UH-72 Lakota helicopter detachment with two aircraft including flight crew, maintainers, and support personnel. This unit enhanced the domestic response capabilities of the DEARNG. Major General Berry also made it a priority to ensure that DENG facilities remain current and professional, facilitating over $172 million in increased funding for property acquisition, as well as major and minor construction. These funds were utilized to procure land and build new armories, alongside other major military construction improvement projects. Major General Berry's service as TAG will have a lasting positive impact on the DENG, Delaware, and our Nation. Despite serving during a tumultuous time, Major General Berry executed his tenure with poise and decisiveness, bringing professionalism and security to the citizens of Delaware. Thanks to Major General Berry's leadership, the DENG has never been better positioned to serve the State and Nation in times of crises. His outstanding leadership and legacy of excellence will endure long after his retirement. ____________________