Miriam Rodriguez
White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs

Derek Gondek, left, discusses Army modernization with WSMR leadership during a Nov. 4, 2020 visit to gain familiarization with Army testing capabilities at WSMR. Gondek is the Senate Budget Committee Professional Staff Member responsible for the annual DoD budget authorization. (U.S. Army Photo/Chuck Roberts)

Senate Budget Committee representative at WSMR

A U.S. Senate Budget Committee representative was at White Sands Missile Range Nov. 4 touring facilities to gain familiarization with Army testing capabilities.

Derek Gondek is the U.S. Senate Budget Committee Professional Staff Member responsible for the annual DoD budget authorization.

WSMR leaders took Gondek on a tour of several facilities on post to include the Cox Range Control Center, where he received an overview and several briefings.

They also flew over the high energy laser facility, HELSTF, which is important to highlight because of its one-of-a-kind capability and location. WSMR will play a key role in Army Futures Command and Army modernization.

WSMR leaders focused on relaying the importance of funding for facilities and test technology improvements ongoing to support long range precision fires. Priorities for the visit were to execute congressional oversight of the DoD budget while gaining familiarization with the Army's testing capabilities at WSMR.

Douglas D. Dziak, Staff Director at U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget, relies on Gondek's perspective to shape future budget priorities. Gondek is a former Army Legislative Liaison and retired Sergeant Major.