[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 143 (Wednesday, October 5, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
A TRIBUTE TO MAJ. GEN. JOHN J. CLOSNER III, FOR HIS SERVICE AS CHIEF OF 
                         THE AIR FORCE RESERVE

  Mr. NUNN. Mr. President, today I want to recognize Maj. Gen. John J. 
Closner for his distinguished service to our Nation. General Closner 
epitomizes our Air Force Reserve citizen-soldier. He has demonstrated 
exceptional leadership as chief of Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. 
Air Force, Washington, DC., and commander, Air Force Reserve, Robins 
Air Force Base, GA for the past 4 years.
  General Closner performed these duties in an outstanding manner 
despite the dramatic fiscal and structural changes brought about by the 
end of the cold war. Responding to these challenges, General Closner 
effectively reorganized the Air Force Reserve. He confronted tough 
decisions head on, directing numerous unit conversions as well as 
downsizing aircraft inventory and personnel while maintaining key 
capabilities.
  Commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps Program at 
Texas A&M University, General Closner's early training prepared him 
well for his later assignments commanding fighter units in Oklahoma, 
Louisiana, Utah, and Texas. Ultimately, he rose to command the 81,000 
member Air Force Reserve.
  General Closner is a highly decorated veteran of the Vietnam war. He 
flew over 300 combat missions in the F-100 as an instructor pilot with 
the 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron in the Republic of Vietnam in 1967. 
His military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service 
Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service 
Medal, Air Medal with 14 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation 
Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf 
clusters.
  Still current in the F-16 at age 54, General Closner has flown over 
5,000 hours as a command pilot in the A-10, A-37, F-16, F-100, and F-
105. Perhaps his proudest moment was being the first wing commander of 
an Air Force Reserve F-16 Wing. Under his leadership this wing won the 
prestigious Gunsmoke competition for the best air-to-ground fighter 
unit in the entire Air Force.
  General Closner's greatest contribution as chief of the Air Force 
Reserve was his sustained leadership during a period that stressed 
resources to their limit. He embraced and led the total quality 
management revolution within the Air Force Reserve and received praise 
from the Executive Office of the White House for this quality 
leadership. He led the Air Force Reserve through Operations Desert 
Shield/Desert Storm, Provide Promise, Deny Flight, Provide Comfort, 
Southern Watch, and most recently, our multinational operation in 
Haiti. Despite the highest operational pace in the history of our 
Reserve forces, the Air Force Reserve always accomplishes its mission 
under his leadership.
  The United States is indebted to General Closner for his many 
contributions to this Nation. As his hallmark, he left a stronger Air 
Force Reserve. We thank Jay and his wife Angela for their selfless 
service to the men and women of the Air Force Reserve, and wish them 
continued success in the future.

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