[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
THE RETIREMENT OF GENERAL MERRILL A. McPEAK, THE CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE 
                               AIR FORCE

  Mr. THURMOND. Madam President, I rise today to recognize Gen. Merrill 
McPeak, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, who will be retiring at 
the end of this month. General McPeak's career spanned over 36 years of 
distinguished services to our Nation including 4 years as the Chief of 
Staff of the Air Force.
  The General's service is a reflection of the Nation's history during 
the era of the cold war. He entered service through the Reserve Officer 
Training Corps in 1957 and served as a fighter pilot in Great Britain 
at the height of East and West tension resulting from the construction 
of the Berlin Wall. He earned the Silver Star flying combat missions in 
the skies over Vietnam. Finally, he became the Chief of Staff of the 
Air Force in 1990, just as the Soviet Union collapsed.
  General McPeak's legacy will be our Air Force's superb performance 
during Operation Desert Storm and his skillful management of the 
downsizing of the force during the past four years. He will be known 
for his deep concern for the welfare of the men and women who serve in 
the Air Force and for his efforts to provide them the technology and 
equipment to meet the challenges of the coming decades. As the Chief of 
Staff, he will be remembered for establishing the framework for an Air 
Force that will continue to provide for the defense of this Nation far 
into the next century.
  Mr. President, on October 31, the Nation will lose one of its senior 
military leaders. I know I am joined by my colleagues in thanking 
General McPeak for his dedication and distinguished service to our 
Nation. I wish both the General and his wife, Elyna, the best in a 
well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________