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24570 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 18 September 18, 2007 With that being said, Mr. Speaker, it tory, but as a matter for our progeny Service, performed admirably in the course is an honor for me to pay tribute to the that they may ever breathe free. of , participating in pursuit, ob- valiant men of the 303rd Bombardment Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I servation, and day and night bombing mis- sions; known as ‘‘Hell’s Angels.’’ reserve the balance of my time. Whereas pioneering aviators of the United Activated in February 1942 at Pen- Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I want to States, including Mason M. Patrick, William dleton, Oregon, the 303rd was an Eighth congratulate Mr. MCCOTTER for bring- ‘‘Billy’’ Mitchell, Benjamin D. Foulois, Air Force Bomber Group that flew the ing forth this resolution so that this Frank M. Andrews, Henry ‘‘Hap’’ Arnold, mighty B–17 Flying Fortress out of body might honor the 303rd. James ‘‘Jimmy’’ H. Doolittle, and Edward Molesworth, England. Living up to Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance ‘‘Eddie’’ Rickenbacker, were among the first their adopted motto, ‘‘Might in of my time. to recognize the military potential of air Flight,’’ the air crews flew a record 364 Ms. SHEA-PORTER. I yield back the power and courageously forged the founda- tions for the creation of an independent arm combat missions against enemy tar- balance of my time. for air forces in the in the dec- gets, the most of any B–17 Bomb Group The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ades following World War I; in the during World question is on the motion offered by Whereas on June 20, 1941, the Department War II. the gentlewoman from New Hampshire of War created the Army Air Forces (AAF) For its actions in the skies over Eu- (Ms. SHEA-PORTER) that the House sus- as its aviation element and shortly there- rope, the group was awarded a Distin- pend the rules and agree to the resolu- after the Department of War made the AAF guished Unit Citation in January 1944, tion, H. Res. 604, as amended. co-equal to the Army Ground Forces; two of the heroic crew men of the 303rd Whereas General Henry H. ‘‘Hap’’ Arnold The question was taken; and (two- drew upon the industrial prowess and human were awarded with Congressional thirds being in the affirmative) the resources of the United States to transform Medal of Honor, and four earned the rules were suspended and the resolu- the Army Air Corps from a force of 22,400 Distinguished Service Cross. tion, as amended, was agreed to. men and 2,402 aircraft in 1939 to a peak war- For all of their accomplishments, the A motion to reconsider was laid on time strength of 2.4 million personnel and members of the Bomb Group paid a the table. 79,908 aircraft; Whereas the standard for courage, flexi- heavy price in casualties, aircraft f losses, and capture by the enemy. bility, and intrepidity in combat was estab- GENERAL LEAVE lished for all Airmen during the first aerial Their determination to complete the raid in the Pacific Theater on April 18, 1942, mission regardless of the opposition or Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I when Lieutenant Colonel James ‘‘Jimmy’’ H. the odds carried them through their ask unanimous consent that all Mem- Doolittle led 16 North American B–25 Mitch- losses and on to victory in the air. bers may have 5 legislative days within ell bombers in a joint operation from the Mr. Speaker, given the history of which to revise and extend their re- deck of the naval carrier USS Hornet to outstanding service by the 303rd Bom- marks on H. Res. 326 and H. Res. 604. strike the Japanese mainland in response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor; bardment Group during World War II, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there as well as the last reunion of the vet- Whereas President Harry S. Truman sup- objection to the request of the gentle- ported organizing air power as an equal arm erans of the 303rd taking place this woman from New Hampshire? of the military forces of the United States, week, it is fitting that we take the There was no objection. writing on December 19, 1945, that air power time today to recognize and honor f had developed so that the responsibilities their service. I therefore strongly urge and contributions to military strategic plan- all my colleagues to support this reso- RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVER- ning of air power equaled those of land and lution. SARY OF THE UNITED STATES sea power; Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of AIR FORCE AS AN INDEPENDENT Whereas on September 18, 1947, W. Stuart MILITARY SERVICE Symington became the first Secretary of the my time. newly formed and independent United States Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I move to Air Force (USAF), and on September 26, 1947, reserve the balance of my time. suspend the rules and agree to the con- General Carl A. Spaatz became the first Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I recog- current resolution (H. Con. Res. 207) Chief of Staff of the USAF; nize Mr. MCCOTTER of for recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Whereas the was also such time as he might consume. as an inde- created by the National Security Act of 1947 and has played a vital role in guarding the Mr. MCCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I pendent military service. would like to thank the sponsor of the United States and defending freedom in near- The Clerk read the title of the con- ly every major conflict and contingency resolution and the chairman of the current resolution. since its inception; committee, the ranking member, and The text of the concurrent resolution Whereas on October 14, 1947, the USAF all of my colleagues who are joining is as follows: demonstrated its historic and ongoing com- me in support of honoring the heroic mitment to technological innovation when H. CON. RES. 207 members of the 303rd Bombardment Captain Charles ‘‘Chuck’’ Yeager piloted the Group. Whereas President Harry S. Truman signed X–1 developmental rocket plane to a speed of the National Security Act of 1947 on July 26, It has rightly been said that they Mach 1.07, becoming the first flyer to break 1947, to realign and reorganize the Armed the sound barrier in a powered aircraft in were the greatest generation; and yet, Forces and to create a separate Department level flight; it is important, through the adoption of the Air Force from the existing military Whereas the USAF Reserve, created April of resolutions and other instances, services; 14, 1948, is comprised of Citizen Airmen who where we, as a people, recognize their Whereas the National Security Act of 1947 steadfastly sacrifice personal fortune and sacrifice for the very liberty upon was enacted on September 18, 1947; family comfort in order to serve as unrivaled which our free Republic is founded, al- Whereas the Aeronautical Division of the wingmen of the active duty USAF in every ways remember that their service to United States Army Signal Corps, consisting deployment, mission, and battlefield around of one officer and two enlisted men, began our Nation did not end with World War the globe; operation under the command of Captain Whereas the USAF operated the Berlin II, for they continued in their transi- Charles DeForest Chandler on August 1, 1907, in 1948 and 1949 to provide humani- tion to civilian life where they also with the responsibility for ‘‘all matters per- tarian relief to post-war Germany and has helped form the foundation of our Na- taining to military ballooning, air machines, established a tradition of humanitarian as- tion. But it is also critical that, too, at and all kindred subjects’’; sistance in responding to natural disasters this juncture, where again another gen- Whereas in 1908, the Department of War and needs across the world; eration of Americans finds themselves contracted with the Wright brothers to build Whereas the USAF announced a policy of tasked with defending freedom in its one heavier-than-air flying machine for the racial integration in the ranks of the USAF United States Army, and accepted the on April 26, 1948, 3 months prior to a Presi- maximum hour of danger, that we Wright Military Flyer, the world’s first mili- dential mandate to integrate all military never forget the example that these tary airplane, in 1909; services; citizens, soldiers and airmen set for the Whereas United States pilots, flying with Whereas in the early years of the , rest of us, not just as a matter of his- both allied air forces and with the Army Air the USAF’s arsenal of bombers, such as the

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Over a period of 40 mented by the development and deployment United States on September 11, 2001, USAF years, airmen earned that recognition, of medium range and intercontinental bal- fighter and air refueling aircraft took to the beginning with the Aeronautical Divi- listic missiles, such as the Titan and Minute- skies to fly combat air patrols over major sion’s earliest exploits in 1907, followed man developed by General Bernard A. United States cities and protect families, by the derring-do of the Army Air Schriever; friends, and neighbors of people of the United Service in World War I, and then by the Whereas the USAF, employing the first States from further attack; superior performance of the Army Air large-scale combat use of jet aircraft, helped Whereas, on December 7, 2005, the USAF Corps, later the Army Air Forces, in to establish air superiority over the Korean modified its mission statement to include peninsula, protected ground forces of the flying and fighting in cyberspace and World War II. America’s airmen per- United Nations with close air support, and prioritized the development, maintenance, formed well; so well, in fact, that when interdicted enemy reinforcements and sup- and sustainment of war fighting capabilities battles were fought in the air, they plies during the conflict in Korea; to deliver unrestricted access to cyberspace were won decisively, making air supe- Whereas after the development of launch and defend the United States and its global riority a standing assumption. vehicles and orbital satellites, the mission of interests; This tradition started during World the USAF expanded into space and today Whereas Airmen around the world are com- War II, with aviators like General Doo- provides exceptional real-time global com- mitted to fighting and winning the Global munications, environmental monitoring, little. During the war in North Africa War on Terror and have flown more than and Europe, General Eisenhower and navigation, precision timing, missile warn- 430,000 sorties to precisely target and engage ing, nuclear deterrence, and space surveil- insurgents who attempt to violently disrupt General Spaatz, as commander of the lance; rebuilding in Iraq and Afghanistan; Army Air Forces, worked well to- Whereas USAF Airmen have contributed to Whereas talented and dedicated Airmen gether. General Eisenhower came to the manned space program of the United will meet the future challenges of an ever- appreciate the capabilities of air power States since the program’s inception and changing world with strength and resolve; and the role of the Air Force in achiev- throughout the program’s development at Whereas the USAF, together with its joint ing victory. He called General Spaatz, the National Aeronautics and Space Admin- partners, will continue to be the United istration by dedicating themselves wholly to ‘‘the best operational airman in the States’ leading edge in the ongoing fight to world,’’ and became persuaded that the space exploration despite the risks of explo- ensure the safety and security of the United ration; States; and Air Force should exist alongside and Whereas the USAF engaged in a limited Whereas during the past 60 years, the equal to the Army and the Navy. Ike campaign of air power to assist the South USAF has repeatedly proved its value to the compared this arrangement to a three- Vietnamese government in countering the Nation, fulfilling its critical role in national legged stool, where each leg is essen- communist Viet Cong guerillas during the defense, and protecting peace, liberty, and and fought to disrupt supply tial to the whole. It’s a principle alive, freedom throughout the world: Now, there- lines, halt enemy ground offensives, and pro- well, and working today. fore, be it Since its origin, the Air Force has tect United States and Allied forces; Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Whereas Airmen were imprisoned and tor- Senate concurring), That Congress remem- stayed abreast of our national security tured during the Vietnam War and, in the bers, honors, and commends the achieve- requirements, adding missiles to air- valiant tradition of Airmen held captive in ments of the United States Air Force in serv- craft, and through a long cold war, de- previous conflicts, continued serving the ing and defending the United States on the terring any attack upon our country. United States with honor and dignity under 60th anniversary of the creation of the The Air Force is typically called when the most inhumane circumstances; United States Air Force as an independent we need to gain air superiority with Whereas, in recent decades, the USAF and military service. coalition partners of the United States have troops and materiel, when and wher- supported successful actions in Panama, Bos- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ever the need arises. Its airlift and nia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, ant to the rule, the gentleman from tanker capabilities give us the advan- and many other locations around the globe; South Carolina (Mr. SPRATT) and the tage of remote presence. Its satellites Whereas , along with gentleman from (Mr. TURNER) supply us with surveillance and com- Asia-Pacific partners of the United States, each will control 20 minutes. munication capabilities that are the ensure peace and advance freedom from the The Chair recognizes the gentleman gold standard, surpassing anything west coast of the United States to the east from South Carolina. coast of Africa and from the Arctic to the Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I rise that any other country in the world Antarctic, covering more than 100 million today in support of House Resolution possesses. Not only has the Air Force square miles and the homes of 2 billion peo- 207, recognizing the 60th anniversary of achieved a technical overmatch ple in 44 countries; against our adversaries in the air, but Whereas the United States Air Forces in the United States Air Force as an inde- pendent military service. I thank my in space and cyberspace as well. Europe, along with European partners of the In today’s Air Force, over 700,000 colleague from New Mexico, HEATHER United States, have shaped the history of ‘‘Total Force Airmen’’ are at work as Europe from World War II, the Cold War, Op- WILSON, in particular, for her partner- eration Deliberate Force, and Operation Al- ship and collaboration in helping to we speak, exercising vigilance, reach, lied Force to today’s operations, and secured bring this bipartisan measure before and power around the world. They are stability and ensured freedom’s future in Eu- the House. I want also to recognize the operating intelligence and reconnais- rope, Africa, and Southwest Asia; outstanding leadership of the cochairs sance aircraft and spacecraft, sup- Whereas, for 17 consecutive years begin- of the Air Force Caucus, CLIFF plying early warning, real-time intel- ning with 1990, Airmen have been engaged in STEARNS of Florida, SAM JOHNSON of ligence, and situational awareness to full-time combat operations ranging from the war fighters on the ground. They Desert Shield to Iraqi Freedom, and have Texas, and JIM MARSHALL of Georgia shown themselves to be an expeditionary air for their participation. are a critical presence in the battle and space force of outstanding capability Sixty years ago in July, President space of Afghanistan and Iraq. They ready to fight and win wars of the United Truman and Congress distilled the les- are lifting cargo and passengers, and States when and where Airmen are called sons learned in World War II into land- using refueling assets to build air upon to do so; mark legislation known as the Na- bridges, projecting power, and sus- Whereas the USAF is steadfast in its com- tional Security Act of 1947. On Sep- taining the fight. mitment to field a world-class, expeditionary tember 18, the Armed Forces were reor- Although the hardware tends to get air force by recruiting, training, and edu- the headlines, it is the people who cating its Total Force of active duty, Air Na- ganized under a Department of De- tional Guard, Air Force Reserve, and civilian fense, and the Air Force was estab- make it work and who make the Air personnel; lished as a military department co- Force what it is. When General Horner Whereas the USAF is a trustworthy stew- equal to the Departments of the Army came home from the in ard of resources, developing and applying and the Navy. 1991, I asked him who were the unsung

VerDate Mar 15 2010 13:19 Jul 27, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 0687 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H18SE7.001 H18SE7 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with BOUND RECORD 24572 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 18 September 18, 2007 heroes, and he answered without hesi- pushing the envelope of aircraft and Since 1947, the Air Force has been an tation, ‘‘Well, for one, it is our NCOs; pilot to new bounds. integral part of the United States mili- their quality has literally gone out of b 1615 tary. Over the last 15 years the United sight.’’ I was reminded of what General States Air Force has been in contin- Horner said when I was at Shaw Air The F–22A and F–35 are the world’s uous combat. Operation Desert Shield Force Base not long ago and met with only fifth-generation fighters. and Desert Storm featured a full spec- the Fighting 20th and its wing com- Mr. Speaker, I would also like to rec- trum of Air Force capabilities. During mander, Colonel Post, along with air- ognize the 60th anniversary of the Air the so-called ‘‘peacekeeping missions’’ men and women, many of them about Force for its impact that it has had on in , Haiti and Kosovo, the Air to deploy. They will be part of some my community of Dayton, Ohio. Force contributed logistical and oper- 35,000 other airmen deployed around Wright Patterson Air Force Base in my ational support and demonstrated its the globe. Because of them and others district is the largest stand-alone base ability to achieve mission objectives like them, we have the best Air Force in the world, as well as being the home without the use of ground forces. in the world, bar none. to the National Museum of the United In Georgia’s 11th Congressional Dis- This concurrent resolution is our States Air Force. Wright Pat has a trict, Mr. Speaker, Dobbins Air Re- way, as Members of Congress and citi- strong tradition as a research and de- serve Base has contributed to the suc- zens of this Nation, of expressing our velopment hub, which started with cess of the Air Force by providing key appreciation, of recognizing the United Wright Pat when it was known as training of pilots and support per- States Air Force, its leaders and air- Huffman Prairie. Huffman Prairie is sonnel on both the C–130 and the C–5 men, for consistently proving their the location where the Wright brothers platforms. In addition to Dobbins’ worth to our Nation and helping make developed the first practical airplane training capabilities, FEMA’s Federal this the land of the free and the home that was able to sustain flight. During Incident Response Team Atlanta is of the brave. the early years of flight, the Wright staged at Dobbins, and it mobilizes Let me conclude with the resolving brothers used Huffman Prairie as a re- throughout the Southeast to disasters, clause: That Congress remembers, hon- search and development facility. The both natural and manmade. ors, and commends the achievements of tradition continues, as the research Dobbins also plays a role in the con- the United States Air Force in serving conducted at Wright Pat today will tinued air dominance of the United and defending our country on the 60th provide U.S. troops with advantages on States as the initial testing grounds anniversary of the creation of the the battlefields of tomorrow. For ex- for the F–22 Raptor stealth fighter. United States Air Force as an inde- ample, the F–22A fighter, considered Never before has the United States’ pendent military service. the most advanced fighting plane ever ability to project military power de- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of built, was significantly developed, in pended so heavily on air and space ca- my time. part, at Wright Patterson Air Force pabilities. Whether in a leading role or Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield Base. a support role, the United States Air myself such time as I might consume. Again, I am honored to recognize the Force has proved its unsurpassed air- Mr. Speaker, I represent the Third 60th anniversary of the United States space and cyberspace capabilities. District of Ohio, which includes both Air Force and all of those who have Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues the historic birthplace of aviation, served, and I urge my colleagues to to remember the importance of a home of the Wright brothers, as well as support this bill. strong national defense and certainly the home of Wright-Patterson Air Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of vote in favor of H. Con. Res. 207. Force Base, and I am honored to speak my time. Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I will today in favor of H. Con. Res. 207. Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, we have a continue to reserve my time. The bill remembers, honors, and com- long list of cosponsors on this side of Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 mends the achievements of the United the aisle for this resolution, and I had minutes to Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. States Air Force in serving and defend- a long list of potential speakers; but Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. ing the United States on this 60th anni- due to the rearrangement of resolu- Speaker, the important thing about versary of the creation of the United tions, none is here now; and I would this resolution, to me, is that the Air States Air Force as an independent simply yield to the gentleman from Force and celebrating its anniversary military service. Ohio so that he can further yield his is about the people who have served, I would like to also recognize and time. And if you need further time on those who’ve worn the uniform. thank my colleagues Mr. SPRATT from our side, we will be glad to grant it as In 1916, at the age of 17, my grand- South Carolina and Mrs. WILSON from well. father lied about his age and joined the New Mexico for their efforts in writing I reserve the balance of my time, of Royal Flying Corps. He flew DH–7s and this bill and ushering it to the floor. course. DH–9s and did sub search in the Irish The United States Air Force is the Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 Sea during World War I. largest modern Air Force in the world, minutes to Dr. GINGREY of Georgia. And after the First World War, there with over 7,000 aircraft in service and Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise weren’t many jobs to be had, so he about 358,600 men and women on active today in support of H. Con. Res. 207, came to America in 1922 and became a duty. The numerous airmen, techni- recognizing the 60th anniversary of the barnstormer in the early days of civil cians, and support staff through the United States Air Force as an inde- aviation, really the heyday of civil years have served in the Air Force with pendent military service, joining my aviation, as new airplanes, new honor, courage, and dignity. colleague, the mayor of Dayton, and records, new payloads for speed and Throughout history, the Air Force my colleague on the House Armed distance were being set across Amer- has adapted and designed new aircraft Services Committee. ica. to meet the threats faced by the mili- Many Americans may not realize In World War II, he towed targets and tary, such as designing long-range that for the first 40 years of its exist- ferried parts and developed a system to bombers, more advanced tactical fight- ence, the United States Air Force was Medivac soldiers out of the China, ers, and eventually stealth aircraft. actually a department of the Army. It Burma, India theater of operations. The humanitarian operations in Berlin was not until President Harry Truman Then it was B–72s and B–25s, P–38s and after World War II, the Berlin Airlift, signed the National Security Act of Corsairs. would not have happened was it not for 1947 that the Air Force became an inde- In 1943, as a boy of 13, my father the accuracy and dedication of the pi- pendent military service and W. Stuart started taking flying lessons, traded lots of the Air Force. Today, the Symington became the first Secretary them for time as a line boy down at the United States Air Force continues to of the Air Force, later a United States airport. And after World War II, and be on the cutting edge of technology, Senator. before Korea, my dad joined the Army

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He taught my said that’s not really the key to these our great Nation. mom to fly. And in our 2-bedroom men and women. He said, then they Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I have no house we had 3 kids, 2 dogs, a den that took off again the next day and did the requests at this time on this side. I was full of airplane. same thing, and the next day and the therefore yield to the gentleman. If In 1976, when I was a junior in high next day, and every day after that, just you need some of my time, I will gladly school, I was in my mother’s bedroom like clawing up a pyramid, never know- yield it. when there was a television story on ing each time whether they would or Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield her little black and white portable TV would not be able to pull it out at the 21⁄2 minutes to Mr. STEARNS of Florida. that said that the Air Force Academy last crying moment. That, Tom Wolf Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in was opening its doors to women. said, is the right stuff. support of this resolution. And as a Well, my grandfather had had 2 sons, So I rise in commemoration of the former Air Force officer and veteran 5 grandsons and me. I went to see him Air Force and in a very joint way who and one of the co-founders of the House and told him I was thinking about has done so much for the security of of Representatives Air Force Caucus, I maybe going to the Air Force Acad- our Nation. Without a question, they know firsthand how the Air Force pro- emy, and he said, well, I flew with have the right stuff. vides our Nation a unique military ad- some women in World War II and they Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 vantage, obviously, indispensable in were pretty good sticks, so I guess minutes to Mr. LAMBORN from Colo- war and peace, to know what is hap- that’d be okay. rado. pening around the globe, to lend a hand My grandfather started to fly shortly Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise with humanitarian assistance, to deter after the Wright brothers first took to today in support of the resolution and nations that would use aggression to the air, and he lived to see a man walk to honor the men and women of the bully their neighbors, and to defend on the Moon. It has been a remarkable United States Air Force who, today, our Nation when we are attacked and century of aviation, and the Air Force celebrate 60 years of dedicated service. dealt a decisive blow to our foes. has been part of it. On a cold December day in 1903 in But I bring to your attention, my Next year, after 33 years of service, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the colleagues, something that perhaps active, Guard and Reserve, my husband Wright brothers achieved the world’s would not be talked about, that this will retire from the United States Air first powered flight which lasted mere- supremacy could be threatened. And so Force. ly 59 seconds. Today our Air Force pos- I wish to, in this short amount of time Generations have been inspired and sesses an extraordinary global reach talk about, although the Air Force has protected by air warriors who broke and even beyond into space thanks to an overwhelming advantage right now, the sound barrier, who tested rocket the men and women who have served or we are now at a point where a lot of the sleds, who trained as astronauts, who are serving in the Air Force. equipment is growing old. became aces and supported those who Mr. Speaker, the United States Air Our Air Force flies the oldest aircraft were, names we know like Billie Mitch- Force has had a long and proud tradi- that we have ever had to support, and ell and Jimmy Doolittle, Lance Sijan, tion of defending our Nation, as well as they will be getting older and more Hap Arnold, Bud Day, Clarence Kelly being a worldwide leader in aero- costly to maintain if nothing is done to Johnson, and names we don’t know of nautical innovation. Since its early reverse this trend. Both our B–52s, our KC–135s average airmen and women called to serve and days, the Air Force has been in every 46 years old today. In 2030 they’ll be 68 inspired by the thrill of flight. military operation, from World War I years old. Our A–10s average 26 years Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, in the in- to our present struggle in the global old today. In 2030 they’ll be almost 50 terest of jointness, I have now the war on terror. years old. Though the Air Force is the pleasure of recognizing and yielding 4 My father, who now is 88 years old, youngest service, it has the most to minutes to the gentleman from Penn- fought in World War II as part of what lose in the fight against complacency. sylvania (Mr. SESTAK), who is a retired was then the Army Air Corps. Our Air Force is constantly in de- naval admiral. I am proud to have the Air Force mand by combat commanders around Mr. SESTAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Academy, Schriever Air Force Base the globe, but the size of our Air Force support of this resolution. This past and all lo- is the smallest it’s ever been in dec- weekend I had the opportunity with an cated in the 5th District of Colorado. ades. The Air Force had approximately 82-year-old airman to sit down with Schriever Air Force Base is home to 4,400 fighters in 1985. Today we have him and awarded him, after some work the , which is one of 2,500. had been done, with the Distinguished the world’s best space command and Flying Cross. And he so proudly opened control teams, delivering combat b 1630 up his charts and the maps that he had power from space for America and its In 2030 it will have fewer than 1,400. flown over Europe back in World War allies. At Peterson Air Force Base, we Despite technological improvements, II. have the , the Air the Air Force cannot fulfill its global And as a Navy officer, I came to real- Force’s only organization providing missions without sufficient force struc- ize the quite close bond we had as he missile warning and space control to ture. Aircraft simply cannot be in two proudly then pointed to his log book commanders and combat forces world- places at once, whether in Korea or Af- and said, this was the ship, as they wide. ghanistan or above New York City. called their aircraft, that we were on Finally, Colorado Springs has the So for all of its immense accomplish- during those missions. highly regarded United States Air ments, the Air Force still faces formi- But what I want to speak about is Force Academy, whose mission is to dable challenges as it enters the sev- that wonderful passage in the book by educate, train and inspire men and enth year of the global war on ter- Tom Wolf, ‘‘The Right Stuff.’’ In it, as women to become officers of character rorism. Losing our airpower edge is not he talks about aviators, he spoke about motivated to lead the United States a responsible option. We must ensure how they take off and they fly, and Air Force in service to our Nation. this does not happen. often, particularly as the 50s, 60s and For the past 60 years, Mr. Speaker, In closing, let me leave you with the 70s occurred, they would often find the strength, preparedness, and innova- words of one of the Air Force founders,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 13:19 Jul 27, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 0687 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H18SE7.001 H18SE7 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with BOUND RECORD 24574 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 18 September 18, 2007 Five-Star General Hap Arnold. His and Afghanistan controlled by airmen from sworn in as the Nation’s first Secretary words still ring true today and are es- bases in the United States and other remote of the Air Force, chosen to lead an or- pecially poignant as we celebrate the locations around the world. Moreover, invest- ganization finally given its rightful 60th anniversary of the United States ments in air and space technologies have pro- place in the brand new Department of Air Force: duced precision that would have been un- Defense. The Air Force has gone on to ‘‘Our Air Force belongs to those who imaginable even 15 years ago. Accuracy of become one of the steadfast defenders come from ranks of labor, manage- weapons is now measured in mere feet from on high, enabling us to live in relative ment, the farms, the stores, the profes- the target. peace and tranquility knowing that sions, and colleges and legislative halls Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I reserve they are always there literally keeping . . . Air power will always be the busi- the balance of my time. a watchful eye on our Nation. ness of every American citizen.’’ Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Since its inception, the Department I rise today to honor and celebrate the 60th minutes to the gentleman from Texas of the Air Force has been a global lead- anniversary of the United States Air Force. (Mr. CONAWAY). er in perfecting and applying cutting- The Air Force is the world’s dominant source Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I thank edge research and development. Wheth- of air and space power. America can rightly my colleagues from Ohio and South er it was the transition from the pro- claim to be the greatest military power—a Carolina. peller to jet engines to the use of com- power that affords us prosperity and security. I rise today to recognize the 60th an- puter-aided weaponry incorporating This status is due in no small part to our over- niversary of the United States Air satellite technology to today’s use of whelming supremacy in air and space. How- Force as an independent military serv- unmanned aerial vehicles taking sol- ever, what is most impressive is the integrity ice and to support House Concurrent diers, marines, sailors, and airmen off and dedication of the men and women of the Resolution 207, a bill which acknowl- the battlefield, the Air Force has al- Air Force who work hard everyday to ensure edges and commemorates this signifi- ways been the leader in the ‘‘Revolu- air supremacy. cant milestone in our country’s his- tion in Military Affairs.’’ The Air Force is the youngest of our Na- tory. tion’s military branches. It is able to adapt in Whether it’s patrolling the desert From the days the sky was ruled by skies during Operation Northern Watch time and space by changing position. The ef- such pioneers of aviation as Eddie fects the Air Force can achieve through per- or deterring looming Iraqi aggression Rickenbacker and Hap Arnold, the during Operation Vigilant Warrior, spective, range and endurance are those no United States Air Force has continued other military instrument can execute. Our Na- both in the 1990s, the men and women its commitment to fielding a world- of the Air Force are constantly re- tion’s ability to gain an advantage over our en- class Air Force by recruiting, training, emies by exploiting air and space is unsur- minded that peace is not always peace- and educating its active duty, Air Na- ful. passed. tional Guard, Air Force Reserve, and The overwhelming advantages afforded to Providing a multitude of services to civilian personnel. our Nation by the Air Force can be lost their fellow warriors on the ground, Over the past 60 years, the United through inattention to modernization or by along with dominating the skies States Air Force has repeatedly proved under-funding force structure. We are now at against our enemies, they have played its value to the Nation by fulfilling its a point, after 17 years of continuous combat— a critical role in not only defending critical role in national defense and from Desert Storm, Bosnia and Kosovo to Iraq America’s interests abroad but being protecting liberty and humanity and Afghanistan today—where our Nation’s ambassadors of goodwill. throughout the world. continued superiority in air and space is at On September 11, 2001, the United Just ask the airmen who sit on con- risk. States Air Force fighters took to the stant alert in the Central Command Our Air Force flies the oldest aircraft that we ready to deliver relief aid, as they did have ever had to support—and they will be skies to fly combat patrols over major U.S. cities to protect our loved ones last summer during the conflict be- getting older and more costly to maintain if tween Lebanon and Israel, delivering nothing is done to reverse the trend. Both our from further attack. Today, United States airmen continue their great more than 10 tons of food and supplies B–52s and KC–135s average 46 years old to the region. Foreign citizens and today; in 2030, they will average 68 years old. service around the world to defend our liberties and freedoms in the global Americans alike were once again Our A–10s average 26 years old today; in blessed by the humanitarian spirit of 2030, they will average 49 years old. Though war on terror. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent the Air Force. the Air Force is the youngest service, it has Today I rise not just as a proud the most to lose in the fight against compla- Goodfellow Air Force Base in San An- American but as a Member of Congress cency. gelo, Texas, a facility that’s dedicated who is blessed with the good fortune of Our Air Force is constantly in demand by to training of intelligence specialists combatant commanders around the globe but and firefighters. I’m proud to represent representing the brave men and women the size of our Air Force is the smallest it has the folks who used to serve there, who of the 7th Bomb Wing and the mighty been in decades. The Air Force had approxi- serve there today, and who will serve C–130 Hercules of the 317th Airlift mately 4,400 fighters in 1985, today we have this great Nation tomorrow. Group at . Just around 2,500, and in 2030 it will have fewer Mr. Speaker, I encourage my col- last week I met with several of them than 1,400. Despite technological improve- leagues to join with me and others in before they deployed overseas, and I ments, the Air Force cannot fulfill its global celebrating this anniversary by sup- was swept away by their overwhelming missions without sufficient force structure—air- porting this resolution. courage and resounding spirit. Ameri- craft simply cannot be in two places at once, Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 cans know that when airmen put on whether in Korea and Afghanistan or above minutes to the gentleman from Texas their flight suits, they are not just put- New York City. (Mr. NEUGEBAUER). ting it on for themselves but for all Never before has the Nation’s ability to Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 Americans. They do it for others and project military power depended so heavily on minute to the gentleman from Texas. they continue to do it so we can all live air and space capabilities. Whether it is the Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Speaker, I freely. principal actor or a supporting force, the Air rise today to offer my sincerest birth- In the relatively short time the Air Force brings to the fight unsurpassed air, day wishes to an American institution Force has been in existence, its con- space, and cyberspace capabilities—adding that has helped provide freedom and tributions to America’s security have strength, flexibility, and resilience to the joint liberty for all of us that we enjoy been historic. America owes the United force. In many cases, other U.S. military today, and that is the Department of States Air Force a debt of gratitude for branches would not be able to carry out their Air Force. all that they have given us and will missions without the Air Force. It was 60 years ago, following the continue to give us, without fear or Much has changed over the years. The Air passage of the National Security Act of hesitation. They are always the back- Force is flying unmanned aircraft over Iraq 1947, that W. Stuart Symington was bone of our projected forces.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 13:19 Jul 27, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 0687 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H18SE7.002 H18SE7 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 18, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 18 24575 I wish them a very happy 60th birth- As the Air Force moves forward from its 60th cause they have the right airlift platforms—the day and best wishes for another suc- year, we can look to the motto of the Air Force C–5s and the C–17s—to do their job. cessful 60 years. Flight Test Center—‘‘Ad Inexplorata . . . To- This year, I was able to secure $10.8 million Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I con- ward the Unexplored.’’ for the Global Support Facility at tinue to reserve the balance of my Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I want to express in the fiscal year 2008 time. my support for this resolution recognizing the Military Construction Appropriations bill. Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 60th Anniversary of the U.S. Air Force as an This project would provide a cutting edge myself such time as I may consume. independent military service. operations facility to house approximately 130 Mr. Speaker, when the Wright broth- is home to the 55th personnel necessary for the first Global Sup- ers first accomplished flight, when Wing, the Fightin’ Fifty-Fifth. Offutt’s diverse port Squadron Facility on the West Coast. they stretched out the wings of their missions and global responsibilities put it on It would enhance readiness through special- airplane and began to fly and then re- the cutting edge of the new U.S. Air Force. ized design features for command and control, turned to continue their work at There are approximately 12,000 military and training and deployment preparation, not avail- Huffman Prairie in Dayton, Ohio, Federal employees representing all branches able in current facilities. GSS is critical to the which later became Wright-Patterson of the military that serve on or near Offutt Air Force’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S. mili- Air Force Base, they could not have AFB, which is located near the Missouri River tary forces and initiate operations in minimal known the importance of their inven- just south of Omaha and is a major presence time at any base or location around the globe. tion to preserving our freedoms and to in my congressional district. The 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis is the preserving liberty. But they could Offut is also the home of STRATCOM, the largest air mobility organization in the Air imagine the bravery of the pilots that global integrated force that is charged with the Force with a versatile all-jet fleet of C–5 Gal- were to follow. missions of space operations; information op- axy, C–17 Globemaster III , and With this resolution, we honor the erations; integrated missile defense; global KC–10 Extender refueling aircraft. It handles men and women who have served in the command and control; intelligence, surveil- more cargo and passengers than any other United States Air Force. lance and reconnaissance; global strike; and military air terminal in the United States. Mr. MCCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, strategic deterrence. Travis is the West Coast terminal for I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. Mr. Speaker, the Fifty-Fifth Wing operates a aeromedical evacuation aircraft returning sick 207, a resolution recognizing the 60th anniver- variety of aircraft to conduct operations from or injured patients from the Pacific area. The sary of the United States Air Force as an inde- Offutt AFB, Nebraska; Kadena AB, Japan; 60th Air Mobility Wing crews can fly support pendent military service. RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom; Souda Bay missions anywhere in the world to fulfill its I am honored that , Naval Support Activity, Crete; and other loca- motto of being ‘‘America’s First Choice’’ for home of the Air Force Flight Test Center, is lo- tions around the world. It is the largest wing in providing true global reach. cated in my district, the 22nd District of Cali- and the second largest I am proud to join my colleagues in com- fornia. I rise today to honor the men and in the Air Force. mending the Air Force and its achievements. women of the United States Air Force, espe- Air Combat Command is the principal pro- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, cially those who have spent part or all of their vider of combat airpower that supports Amer- since the United States Air Force was estab- careers in the pursuit of cutting edge flight ica’s global national security strategy. It oper- lished as an independent branch of the U.S. technology at Edwards. ates fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, battle- Armed Forces in 1947, it has played a major The USAF was ‘‘born’’ in 1947, but as we management and electronic-combat aircraft. It role in our national defense. Throughout its 60 all know, our military’s efforts to explore air also provides command, control, communica- years of valiant service, from Operation Roll- power began in the early part of the 20th cen- tions, intelligence systems, and information ing Thunder over the skies of Southeast Asia, tury with the Wright Military Flyer. The area operations in support of the war on terror in to Operations Northern and Southern Watch in now known as Edwards joined the effort in Iraq and Afghanistan. Iraq, the men and women of the United States 1933, when LTC Henry H. ‘‘Hap’’ Arnold of the Mr. Speaker, as the U.S. Air Force cele- Air Force and Air National Guard have de- Army Air Corps selected a site on the edge of brates its 60th Anniversary, I want to join my fended the United States and our allies around Rogers Dry Lake for a bombing and gunnery colleagues in recognizing the many contribu- the world. range at a place called Muroc, a reversal of tions it has made to the defense of our Nation. Since 1947, the men and women stationed the last name of the Corum family, which had Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud at McChord Air Force Base in Washington settled in the area in 1910. to be a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 207—Rec- state have played a key role in supporting the After World War II, Muroc Army Air Field ognizing the 60th Anniversary of the U.S. Air mission of the Air Force, and I want to ac- was alive with activity on the X-plane pro- Force. knowledge their outstanding service. grams, resulting in great successes such as I am honored to represent the men, women, ‘‘Team McChord,’’ which includes the 62nd the Bell X–1, which broke the sound barrier on and families that make up Travis Air Force Airlift Wing, and its Air Force Reserve compo- October 14, 1947, with Chuck Yeager at the Base in Fairfield, California. They are the serv- nents in the 446th Airlift Wing, has flown con- controls. The base was renamed in 1949 after ice men and women who represent ‘‘The tinuous combat airlift operations every day CPT Glen Edwards, who died in a crash of the Gateway to the West,’’ and oversee more since October 2001. These operations provide YB–49, and the Air Force Flight Test Center cargo and passenger traffic on its runways vital airlift and medical evacuation support to was activated in 1951, the same year that the than any other military air terminal in the our forces as they fight to stop the spread of Air Force moved its test pilot school to Ed- United States. terrorism and as they respond to other contin- wards. In the 1960s, the X–15 broke record To me, they represent what is best about gencies. In addition to being the home of com- after record for speed and altitude. Over the our Air Force and its proud history. Travis air- bat airlift, ‘‘Team McChord’’ includes the West- years, the Flight Test Center has tested and men are constantly being called upon to pro- ern Air Defense Sector, the 22nd Special Tac- supported the development of virtually every vide critical service to our Nation. Along with tics Squadron, and the 262nd Information aircraft system that has entered the Air Force their Air Force colleagues across the globe Warfare Aggressor Squadron. Together, day inventory and has been involved in more they continue to play a vital role in the global in and day out, these brave men and women major milestones in flight than any other com- war on terror as well as Operations Iraqi Free- actively support vital military operations parable organization in the world. It has been dom and Enduring Freedom. around the world. on the cutting edge of every major develop- Not only do they put their lives on the line Today, we recognize the continued dedica- ment that has transformed the field of flight, in military missions whenever called upon, but tion of the United States Air Force. I congratu- from the first American jet plane to the current the men and women of Travis have provided late them on 60 years of invaluable service to system-of-systems revolution. humanitarian relief across the globe as re- our county. It is a pleasure to recognize and honor the cently as the Indonesian tsunami and right Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, today, I want to hard work of the men and women of our here at home in response to the hurricane pay tribute to the United States Air Force, on United States Air Force on their 60th anniver- Katrina disaster. the occasion of its sixtieth anniversary. This sary, although each day we should remember The service members of Travis carry out special day provides us with an important op- those who sacrifice in defense of our country. their missions and protect the homeland be- portunity to recognize and honor the men and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 13:19 Jul 27, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 0687 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR07\H18SE7.002 H18SE7 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with BOUND RECORD 24576 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 18 September 18, 2007 women who have made our Nation’s Air Force challenge ahead lies in folding these countries Congressional District. I am proud to represent the greatest air power in the world. As a into the new global order. Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, home of Air former Captain in the U.S. Air Force myself, I The battle we face today in the global war University, along with the 42nd Air Base Wing, shared a willingness to protect and defend the on terror is the same battle we will face tomor- the Operations and Sustainment Support United States of America with all my fellow air- row, and it is a war we will continue to fight Group, the 908th Airlift Wing, the 754th Elec- men and airwomen. throughout our lifetime. In some ways, this war tronic Systems Group, the Air Force Logistics On September 18, 1947, the National Secu- is not unlike the cold war between the U.S. Management Agency, and the newest squad- rity Act of 1947 was enacted, and the U.S. Air and the Soviet Union; a monumental surgical ron in the Air Force, the 100th Fighter Squad- Force was officially formed. Although it is the strike will not immediately and forever deci- ron. The 100th Fighter Squadron is special be- newest unit of the four military branches, the mate the enemy. This war will take time, and cause it was the squadron of the famed U.S. Air Force has rapidly evolved into a seg- will require the prolonged use of a clear, inclu- during World War II, and I ment of our armed services that embodies the sive, and engaging national military strategy. am pleased that this squadron will call Mont- fundamental core values and aptitude of our Currently, our armed services continue to gomery home. Nation’s military foundation. focus on ‘‘muddy boots’’ requirements in Iraq Air University is a major component of Air In the fifth century B.C., Chinese military and Afghanistan. We must remember that this Education and Training Command and is the theorist Sun Tzu said that the ‘‘The art of em- would not be possible without the work of our Air Force’s center for professional military edu- ploying troops is that when the enemy occu- Nation’s Air force. In the initial stages of Oper- cation. Air University provides the full spec- pies high ground, do not confront him.’’ Draw- ation Iraqi Freedom, the U.S. Air Force paved trum of Air Force education, from pre-commis- ing on the teachings of Sun Tzu and nine- the way for our men and women on the sioning to the highest levels of professional teenth century military historian and theorist ground so that they could conduct military-to- military education, including degree granting Carl von Clausewitz, military leaders over the military training, counter-drug, counter-terrorist, and professional continuing education for offi- past 200 years have sought to perfect their and homeland defense missions in Operation cers, enlisted and civilian personnel through- craft in warfare. Until the 20th century, how- Enduring Freedom. out their careers. ever, the might of a country’s military forces It is my hope that as we celebrate the six- Air University’s Professional Military Edu- was still incomplete. While nation-states tieth birthday of the United States Air Force, cation programs educate airmen on the capa- throughout the world had successfully devel- we will be reminded of the tremendous sac- bilities of air and space power and its role in oped their ground and sea forces, it was not rifices that our Air Force personnel and their national security. These programs focus on until the advent of aircraft that the nature of families have made throughout the history of the knowledge and abilities needed to de- warfare would be altered dramatically and per- air power so that we may all continue to enjoy velop, employ, command, and support air and manently, thus finally permitting our armed and pursue the opportunities afforded us by space power at the highest levels. Addition- services to confront the enemy on high their significant role in protecting our demo- ally, Air University conducts research in air ground. cratic values. We must encourage innovation and space power, education, leadership, and Still, it took time to develop the technology in the field, and I will do my part to ensure that management and contributes to the develop- and practice of air power so that it matched its our Air Force will be ready to meet the future ment and testing of Air Force doctrine, con- theoretical potential. Even though the tech- with the tools they need to capitalize on new cepts and strategy. This year the Air Force also celebrates the nology for capable air power existed for the technologies, to maximize transport of equip- 25th birthday of Air Force Space Command. U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam and Korean ment and military personnel, and to provide As Ranking Member of the House Armed wars, the United States had not developed the our boots on the ground with the landscape Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee, I am capability of air power thoroughly enough to necessary to continue to deter, prevent, and privileged to work with some of the finest in derive full benefit from its use until the Gulf punish acts of terrorism and piracy in the U.S. the Air Force on a set of programs that I be- War. and around the world. lieve will only become more important to our Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel John War- Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in future security. Our world is becoming increas- den, the initial architect of the gulf war’s air support of House Concurrent Resolution 207 ingly dependent on assets and platforms in campaign, ‘‘Instant Thunder,’’ once theorized recognizing the 60th anniversary of the United space, and America’s Air Force is meeting the that the most important effect that air power States Air Force. Sixty years ago today, the challenges of the 21st Century security envi- would have in war would be its ability to de- National Security Act of 1947 established what ronment. stabilize the will and morale of the enemy’s we know as the premiere Air Force in the During the cold war, Air Force U–2 recon- military leadership. The use of American air world. Since that time, thousands of airmen naissance aircraft kept us safe by keeping power in the gulf war and Operation Iraqi have served our Nation with pride and honor, watch on the Soviets. I am proud to note that Freedom successfully proved Colonel War- and I am proud to recognize their service I served as an Intelligence Analyst supporting den’s theory true. today. this platform from 1955–1959 in West Ger- The U.S. Air Force is unmatched in its tech- The mission of the U.S. Air Force is to de- many. These aircraft performed a number of nological prowess, providing air and space su- liver sovereign options for the defense of the critically important missions and made a vital periority on demand, and playing an important United States of America and its global inter- contribution to our National defense. role in America’s nuclear deterrence. The U.S. ests—to fly and fight in air, space, and cyber- Air and missile crews manning nuclear Air Force is revolutionary in that it is an expe- space. Air Force aircraft, tankers, and cargo bombers and ICBMs provided our Nation with ditionary air force: It gets our ground forces to planes play key roles in nearly every combat a powerful strategic deterrent. These capabili- the fight, and gets our air power in the fight. operation our Nation undertakes. Additionally, ties were a major component of our ‘‘Peace Our Nation’s Air Force has essentially pro- their capabilities in space have become critical Through Strength’’ policy that enabled the vided our ground and naval forces with the to air, land, and sea combat operations and United States to win the cold war, and I think tools necessary to successfully fight asymmet- are a benefit to our entire Nation. it is appropriate for Congress to recognize the rical warfare by turning the landscape into a For the past 60 years, Air Force aircraft, dedicated service of countless numbers of air- symmetrical one. missiles, and satellites have kept our Nation men who protected our Nation during this The Great Narrative of the next 25 years will safe. While the many technologies and ad- time. be the contest between globalization and pa- vancements have certainly contributed to our As the Air Force ushers in its next 60 years, rochialism. As communications and technology national defense, it is the most prized re- we can be assured it will be postured to meet continue to flatten the world, the connected source of the Air Force—its airmen—that truly new challenges in air, space, and cyberspace. first-world nations will benefit and their vested make a difference for our Nation and the As a member of the Air Force Caucus, I am interest in the global order’s continued smooth world. As a member of the Air Force Caucus, proud to provide for the needs of current and functioning will encourage political stability and I am pleased to recognize the service of both future force. Although the service is the economic development. Those nations left be- current and former Air Force personnel on this youngest of the branches of our Armed hind will see globalization as a hostile force 60th anniversary. Forces, there is no question that the Air Force and may fight against it. It is those same As we consider this resolution, our Nation’s has made, is making, and will continue to countries that also tend to serve as fertile airmen are serving in every corner of the make an extraordinary contribution to our na- breeding grounds for radical ideologies. The world, including many in ’s Second tion’s defense.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 13:19 Jul 27, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 0687 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR07\H18SE7.002 H18SE7 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 18, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 18 24577 As a nation, we are indebted to the Air Moody and began flying A–10 missions in the Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, there are Force for its commitment and sacrifice. I con- skies over Valdosta. some in Congress who have gone to gratulate Secretary Wynne, General Moseley, The also known as the sleep and blissfully are dreaming of and the entire Air Force team for 60 years of ‘‘’’ was formed under the com- ways to get more illegals benefits that dedicated service and defense of our freedom. mand of General Claire Chennault and was American taxpayers are going to have Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, 60 years ago part of his , taking over to pay for. President Harry Truman, through the National the mission of the disbanded American volun- It’s called the DREAM Act, or spe- Security Act of 1947, created the United teer group ‘‘Flying Tigers.’’ Several of the cifically the Development, Relief, and States Air Force and ended a 40-year asso- original Flying Tigers flew with the 23rd Fight- Education for Alien Minors Act. You ciation with the U.S. Army. This move signaled er Group in the China-Burma-India Theater, notice that word ‘‘alien.’’ It only ap- the dawning of a new age and placed air- passing on their knowledge and experience. plies to aliens illegally in the United power in its proper place as a vital element of Like Mitchell before him, Chennault was an- States, not to American citizens and our Nation’s defense. other early pioneer and controversial figure not to foreign nationals who are here Airpower had proven its worth to President who made today’s Air Force possible. He ar- legally. It’s a bill to give preference to Truman and many others over those 40 years. gued vehemently for the fighter plane in the illegals in our public universities. From Military Air Balloon success in World 1930s—a time when the rise of the bomber Here’s how it works under normal War I, to Billy Mitchell’s airpower demonstra- aircraft had consumed the Air Corps experts circumstances: Most States require tion off Virginia’s coast, to the Doolittle Raids and were the focus for their tactics. that if you are not a resident of their and the devastating bombing raids in World In fact, it was his continued belief and pas- State, you pay out-of-State tuition to War II, airpower allowed our military com- sionate advocacy for the fighter that led to his go to their public universities. For ex- manders to fight for and defend our Nation as isolation at the famed Air Tactical School and ample, if you are from or never before. eventually drove him to become an advisor in from India and you go to school at Creating a separate Air Force allowed our China and the rest as we say is history. Texas University, you pay out-of-State brave service men and women to fully con- Today we mark the Air Force’s 60th birthday tuition because you are not from centrate on honing the skills and pushing the in order to reflect on its heroes of the past, Texas. Most public universities have ever-expanding envelope of airpower. and more importantly, to recognize the cour- this rule. In Georgia today, we have Air National age and sacrifice our airmen and their families The DREAM Act, however, will do Guard and/or Air Force Reserve units at Dob- make each and every day for our freedom. something differently. It applies only bins Air Reserve Base, Robins Air Force Quite simply, I salute you. to folks who are illegally in the coun- Base, Savannah, Macon and Brunswick as Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield try and who can attest that they came well as active-duty units at Moody Air Force back the balance of my time. before they were the age of 16. If so, Base. Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I have no this person will be able to get a green And whether it is C–130s from the 165th further requests for time, and I yield card, later to get a permanent resi- Airlift Wing or men and women from the 117th back the balance of my time. dence card, and then after that get a Air Control Squadron which just won the 2007 The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. green card for the parents of this ille- Outstanding Air Control Squadron award from SARBANES). The question is on the mo- gal who brought this child into the the National Guard Association of the United tion offered by the gentleman from United States illegally in the first States, each of Georgia’s units and the out- South Carolina (Mr. SPRATT) that the place. standing men and women who serve in them House suspend the rules and agree to It gives priorities to illegals over contribute around the world fighting the Global the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. American citizens and foreign nation- War on Terrorism. They also provide a formi- 207. als who are legally in the country. It dable force in the face of disaster here at The question was taken; and (two- discriminates against Americans. It home, as was seen in the aftermath of Hurri- thirds being in the affirmative) the discriminates against foreign students cane Katrina when rescue helicopters from rules were suspended and the concur- because it only applies to illegals who Moody teamed up with other Air Force rescue rent resolution was agreed to. are here so that they can go to our pub- units to save more than 4,300 people from the A motion to reconsider was laid on lic universities and pay in-State tui- disastrous and deadly storm. the table. tion because if you are from some Dobbins, Robins and Moody can all trace f other State or some foreign nation and their beginnings to the Army and the 1940– legally in the country, you pay out-of- 1941 timeframe when the War Department GENERAL LEAVE State tuition, which, of course, is was making preparations in case the United Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I ask more. States went to war—which came to fruition on unanimous consent that all Members It seems to me this violates the equal December 7, 1941 when the Japanese de- may have 5 legislative days in which to protection clause of the 14th amend- clared War on the United States and attacked revise and extend their remarks on the ment. It treats illegals who are vio- Pearl Harbor. legislation, H. Con. Res. 207. lating the law by being here in the Dobbins began as Rickenbacker Field, but The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there United States already better than was re-named in 1950 in honor of Captain objection to the request of the gen- Americans. Charles M. Dobbins of Marietta, whose air- tleman from South Carolina? Mr. Speaker, as college costs con- plane was shot down during the war near Sic- There was no objection. tinue to soar, most Americans who ily. f have kids that go to college have to Robins is named after Brigadier General Au- foot that bill. I just had my four chil- gustine Warner Robins, one of the Army Air SPECIAL ORDERS dren finish college not too long ago and Corps’ first General Staff Officers. The Warner The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under just paid off the last college loan. I Robins Air Logistic Center which preceded the the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- have one daughter who is still paying base is also named after the General. uary 18, 2007, and under a previous on her college loan after she received Moody is named after MAJ George Putnam order of the House, the following Mem- her doctorate degree. Moody, an early Air Force pioneer killed in bers will be recognized for 5 minutes There are many Americans who will May 1941 while serving with the Beech Air- each. not be able to go to college because it craft Company in Wichita, Kan. At the time of f now costs too much for them to go. But his death, the major was working on the in- the dreamers want it to cost even more spection board for AT–10 transitional trainers DREAM ACT—BAD DREAM because they want us to subsidize which were later sent to Moody. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a illegals so they can go to school with While each base has a rich history, Moody previous order of the House, the gen- in-State tuition. began a new chapter in its history just recently tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) is recog- This silly law goes further. It repeals when the 23rd Fighter Group relocated to nized for 5 minutes. a law that this body signed into law in

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