[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
       TRIBUTE TO GEN. MERRILL A. McPEAK, USAF, ON HIS RETIREMENT

  Mr. NUNN. Mr. President, as the Air Force undergoes a change in its 
top military leadership, I want the Senate to recognize the outstanding 
service of Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Merrill A. McPeak upon his 
retirement from the Air Force after 37 years of devoted service to his 
country. As Air Force Chief of Staff, General McPeak was responsible 
for organizing, training, and equipping of a combined active duty, 
Guard, Reserve, and civilian force of over 850,000 people serving at 
over 1,300 locations in the United States and overseas.
  General McPeak entered the Air Force through Reserve Officer Training 
Program in 1957. He graduated from San Diego State College and earned a 
masters degree from the George Washington University. He is a graduate 
of the Armed Forces Staff College, the National War College, and the 
Executive Development Program of the University of Michigan Graduate 
School of Business.
  General McPeak has been a very successful pilot, as recognized by his 
2 year tour as a solo pilot for the elite Air Force aerial 
demonstration team, the Thunderbirds. He also flew as an attack pilot 
and high-speed forward air controller in Vietnam. General McPeak has 
also been a successful leader. He has commanded Air Force units at all 
levels, including the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing, the 12th Air Force, 
and Pacific Air Forces.
  He has been awarded numerous medals and decorations, including the 
Distinguished Service medal, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with 
oak leaf cluster, and the Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf 
cluster.
  General McPeak has led the Air Force through very difficult times as 
we restructure the Defense Department and the military services to meet 
the new challenges and realities of the post-cold war world. As Air 
Force Chief of Staff, General McPeak implemented a major reorganization 
of Air Force headquarters and subordinate command structures that 
reduced layering and resulted in a more responsive organization. It has 
also been under his direction that the Department of the Air Force has 
published its strategy statement, ``Global Reach, Global Power,'' an 
outline of how the Air Force can contribute to dealing with the 
challenges the United States faces in the new world environment.
  General McPeak has been a champion of the innovative composite wing 
concept. This arrangement allows aircraft and people to train together 
daily as an integrated combat force that will allow them to operate 
more effectively as part of a joint warfighting team.
  In addition, General McPeak worked to preserve the rich heritage and 
tradition of key Air Force units. I was privileged to attend an Air 
Force dinner recently where General McPeak's efforts to underscore the 
legacy and heroism of Air Force personnel were readily apparent.
  General McPeak was also instrumental in opening up lines of 
communication and contacts with Air Force counterparts in Russia and 
Eastern Europe. He recognized the tremendous value in exposing our 
former adversaries to our Nation's professional military, and to 
reducing tensions.
  I want to take this opportunity to recognize General McPeak's 
selfless service and to thank him for his life of service to the U.S. 
Air Force and the Nation. We wish him, his wife, Elynor, and their 
family Godspeed and all the best in the future.

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