[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 116 (Thursday, August 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E1433]]



                           TRIBUTE TO A FLIER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM (BILL) CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 1, 1996

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, bustling in the skies overhead--airplanes and 
helicopters--satellites and spaceships--dirigibles and sometimes even 
UFO's--orbit the Earth in voyages of commerce, missions of mercy, and 
war, flights of fantasy and excursions of adventure and leisure.
  For centuries our ancestors had no paths through the clouds. Once, 
most thought man would never fly; that only birds might soar the 
kingdom of clouds and rainbows. Today pilots steer passengers through 
the clouds and across the starry skies because dreamers and thinkers 
and inventors held to a faith that someday man would navigate the 
heavens.
  Those who keep faith in their missions open new worlds and inspire us 
all to reach new heights.
  I would like to take this opportunity to share a little bit of the 
story of one of our Nation's first black commercial airline pilots. 
Perry Jones is one of those faithful whose hard work, spirit, and 
dedication chartered a new course to the future. He is a model for 
young people who are pursuing dreams of flying and he is a model for 
older people who are searching out new rainbows when they retire from 
their life's work. Mr. Speaker, Capt. M. Perry Jones is one of our 
Nation's high flying heroes.

             Life After Retirement for Capt. M. Perry Jones

       On 16 December 94, Perry retired from Delta Airlines. Perry 
     flew with Pan American World Airways for 26 years and Delta 
     Air Lines for three. Not only was Perry Pan Am's first Black 
     pilot and Captain, he was captain of the last Pan Am flight 
     to depart London.
       Perry has been a member of OBAP since 1977 and has served 
     as NE regional Vice President, President, and presently as 
     Chairman of the Board.
       Perry's aviation career started in October, 1959. He served 
     until December, 1965 in the USAF, first as a navigator and 
     then as a pilot. He achieved the rank of Captain, flew over 
     100 missions over Vietnam, and received the air medal for 
     valor. He has received many recognitions and awards including 
     ``Outstanding Service'' awards from Delta Air Lines, the 
     National Naval Officers Association (Pensacola, Florida), and 
     Berlin American High School (Berlin, Germany).
       Perry has served as an ``Expert in Residence,'' keynote 
     speaker, panelist, workshop presenter, university lecturer 
     and presented testimony to the U.S. Congress.
       Topics have included: Flying Safety; The Air War in 
     Vietnam; The Responsibilities of Being an American; Race in 
     America; What's Wrong with America?
       Your Triple ``A'' Plan to Success; Wines; The Rise and Fall 
     of Pan Am; Civilian Aviation and Training Programs; 
     Minorities in Aviation; The Red Cross in Vietnam; Bessie 
     Coleman, An American Heroine; and Willa Brown-Aviatrix.
       Perry's advice to those retiring is ``just enjoy every 
     minute.'' His retirement plans include some consultant work 
     and skiing. However, Perry is as busy as ever flying again 
     with Delta as flight engineer. Congratulations and Best 
     Wishes to Captain M. Perry Jones. Enjoy your retirement. OBAP 
     appreciates your hard work and dedication.

                          ____________________