The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO DEAN A. WILLIAMS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security was published in the in the Senate section section on pages S7309-S7310 on Dec. 19.
The Department was built out of more than 20 agencies in 2002. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lower taxes and boosting federal efficiency, argued the Department is burdened with "unneeded bureaucracy" which could be handled by other departments or standalone operations.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO DEAN A. WILLIAMS
Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, I rise today to honor supervisory air interdiction agent Dean A. Williams for his steadfast service to the United States for the past 36 years and to wish him well on his retirement from Air and Marine Operations--AMO--U.S. Customs and Border Protection--CBP--Department of Homeland Security.
Born in Indiana and raised in New York City and Oklahoma, Dean attended Oklahoma State University and Tulsa Junior College. He earned an associate degree in respiratory therapy and later worked in a neonatal intensive care unit. Being a patriot and adventure seeker, Dean was drawn to military service and joined the Navy to pursue a career as a naval aviator.
In 1986, Dean reported to Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School, where he excelled in academics and physical fitness. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, FL, and earned his Wings of Gold. During his time serving on active duty in the Navy, Dean distinguished himself on missions, piloting the Navy's medium lift, multimission helicopter, the SH-60 Seahawk, and also on several deployments aboard naval ships, where he held leadership positions, including Aviation Department Head aboard the USS Denver (LPD-9).
After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1996, Dean furthered his education, earning a bachelor of science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In 1997, he chose to continue his service to the United States by joining the U.S. Border Patrol, employing his skills as a senior patrol agent and pilot in San Diego and along the southwest border. In 2005, Dean became an air interdiction agent
(pilot) for AMO and was later promoted to supervisory air interdiction agent. At AMO, Dean served not only as a skilled helicopter and unmanned aircraft system pilot, but also in other integral positions, including northern border program manager and critical incident response team manager.
As accomplished as Dean has been in his previous roles, it is in his position as a congressional liaison where he excelled the most. In 2014, Dean was hand-picked by AMO leadership to represent the Agency as a member of the Border, Air, and Marine Operations Team at the CBP Office of Congressional Affairs. In this role, Dean served as the key adviser and subject matter expert on all AMO-related matters before Congress, including drafting legislation, responding to congressional inquiries, and carefully planning and executing congressional and staff delegation visits. He has been a stalwart supporter of AMO policy and funding priorities, especially those that support AMO personnel in the field. Notably, Dean is recognized as the main driver for the 2016 passage of Public Law 114-250, which makes all CBP law enforcement agents eligible for law enforcement availability pay. His determination to pass this legislation earned him respect both at AMO and on Capitol Hill.
In 2017, Dean was selected to serve as an AMO congressional fellow on Capitol Hill. He first served in the office of Senator Heidi Heitkamp, where he provided subject matter expertise on border security, air operations, and unmanned aircraft systems. In 2018, Dean became a fellow on the staff of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Government Operations and Border Management, which I chair. Committee members and staff alike greatly benefited from Dean's wise counsel, friendly demeanor, and outstanding knowledge of border security, specifically air operations in Arizona and along the southwest border. His willingness to share his expertise and to dig in on critical policy matters was invaluable to the staff. His high-level work added greatly to the overall success of the subcommittee. Although he returned to AMO Headquarters in 2020, I am pleased that he continued to work closely with the subcommittee and other offices on Capitol Hill on AMO matters right up to his retirement.
Dean Williams' 36 years of devoted service to our great Nation is a shining example of a life deserving of our gratitude. His meaningful contributions, talent, and endearing sense of humor have enriched us all. Dean will be missed, but I am happy to know that he will be able to spend more time with his wife Denise and his dog Ace. As they say in the Navy, I wish Dean fair winds and following seas in retirement.
____________________
