[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 46 (Thursday, April 17, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S3381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COMMENDATION OF LT. COL. STEPHEN G. GRESS, JR.

 Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Lt. Col. Stephen G. Gress, Jr., who recently retired from the U.S. Air 
Force. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Lieutenant Colonel Gress has served 
his country with valor and distinction for more than 22 years as an 
instructor pilot, a combat pilot, and as a member of the Air Force 
legislative liaison.
  One needs only to look at Steve's academic credentials to see that he 
is a man of exceptional achievement. In addition to graduating from the 
Air Force Academy, Lieutenant Colonel Gress earned a masters degree in 
operation research from the Air Force Institute of Technology at 
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Likewise, Steve became a distinguished 
graduate of the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base 
in 1987.
  Mr. President, Lieutenant Colonel Gress was one of the military's 
premier pilots. He served as an instructor pilot for the T-38 at Webb 
Air Force Base, and later, for the T-41 at his alma mater, the U.S. Air 
Force Academy. In 1979, the Air Force chose Steve from a very select 
few to become an F-15 fighter pilot. Steve also distinguished himself 
in the Air Force Special Programs Office, where he managed the 
development of future fighter weapons systems. During his tenure at 
Bitburgh Air Force Base, Steve's extensive knowledge of fighter combat 
operations led to an appointment as the chief of wing inspections, a 
position that is critical to the combat effectiveness of all Air Force 
organizations.
  I would also note that Lieutenant Colonel Gress is a war hero. As an 
F-15 flight leader, he flew 19 combat missions in Operation Desert 
Storm.
  Later in 1991, Steve returned to the Pentagon. Once again, the Air 
Force came to rely upon his keen understanding of fighter combat. As 
the branch chief for both air to air weapons and fighter development, 
he worked to ensure that the next generation of fighter systems would 
secure American air dominance.
  Steve moved to the Office of the Air Force Legislative Liaison in 
1993. He worked his way up from the branch chief for fighter and 
fighter weapons to the division chief of the weapons systems division. 
As always, Steve took tremendous pride in his work. He strove to ensure 
that critical military issues were presented to Congress in a clear and 
nonparochial manner. Over the years, many congressional staff members 
have come to know Steve both as a serious professional and as a man of 
integrity.
  As Lt. Col. Stephen G. Gress, Jr. retires to private life, I ask my 
colleagues will join me in commending the outstanding service he has 
given this country. On behalf of the Senate, I would like to wish 
Lieutenant Colonel Gress and his family the very best.

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