[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 116 (Tuesday, July 18, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10182-S10183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JIM HARDER

  Mr. PRESSLER.
   Mr. President, today I pay tribute to a dedicated, brave South 
Dakotan who has made us all proud. Maj. Jim Harder, a native of South 
Dakota, is an Air Force pilot and a member of the Air Force 
Thunderbirds--a select group of accomplished aviators who entertain 
audiences with their aerial performances.

  Jim is yet another living symbol of the hard working South Dakotan. 
He graduated from Huron High School and South Dakota State University. 
After college, Jim decided to use his talents in the service of his 
country by joining the Air Force. He first sought to become a navigator 
on an EC-135, but he 

[[Page S 10183]]
so excelled in his duties that he was assigned to flying an F-16C, the 
most advanced fighter/bomber in the Air Force. As a member of the elite 
Thunderbirds, Jim performs a variety of roles: pilot, operations 
officer, show evaluator, and safety observer.
  For years, I as well as other Americans have enjoyed and marveled at 
the Thunderbirds. These exceptional aviators do more than just 
entertain a crowd. They serve to demonstrate individual talents, and 
collective skills that are second to none. It is no wonder that our Air 
Force pilots are considered the world's best. I am delighted that Jim 
is a part of this legacy of excellence.
  Every summer, Ellsworth Air Force Base holds an annual air show which 
attracts thousands of spectators. Many South Dakotans come to enjoy an 
assortment of exhibits and historical information.
  In addition, the base displays a fantastic array of aircraft on the 
ground and in the air. At this year's show held on July 9, the 
Thunderbirds were the featured attraction. So it was a homecoming for 
Jim Harder, a homecoming that he was able to share with his father, 
Elwood. I am sure no South Dakotan was more proud of Jim Harder and his 
fellow Thunderbirds than Elwood Harder.
  Mr. President, I take great pride in sharing with my colleagues, the 
visitors in the gallery, and C-SPAN viewers at home the extraordinary 
achievements of my fellow South Dakotans.
  Jim Harder is yet another standout South Dakotan who has excelled in 
his field. His versatile role in the Air Force Thunderbirds is a job 
that requires dedication and diligent persistence. Most important, 
Jim's skills and expertise elevates the level of performance of his 
fellow fliers.
  Teamwork and individual dedication are why the Thunderbirds are 
respected throughout the world. And individuals like Jim Harder--a man 
who chose to devote his talents to the service of his country--are the 
reasons why our Nation's defense remains strong. Again, on behalf of 
all South Dakotans, I commend Jim Harder for his extraordinary 
accomplishments. I wish him continued success with the Air Force 
Thunderbirds.


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