[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 55 (Thursday, May 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E813]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO S.M. SGT. WILLIS MULCEROY, M. SGT. ELDON RAUCH, AND T. SGT. 
       HENRY ROMEO, JR., 144TH FIGHTER WING DIVISION, FRESNO, CA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 1997

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to three 
outstanding individuals from the 144th Fighter Wing Division in Fresno, 
CA. These three men exemplify the bravery and consciousness that have 
earned them the Flight Line Safety Award of Distinction.
  On the morning of October 10, 1996, an air carrier was taxiing for 
takeoff past the ramp of the 144th Fighter Wing. Technical Sergeant 
Romero heard a loud explosion and noticed what was one of the dual main 
landing gear tires and what appeared to be a rim fall onto the taxiway. 
It appeared that the pilots on the aircraft were not aware of the 
situation and continued toward takeoff. Meanwhile, in maintenance 
control, S.S.T. Mulceroy also heard the loud explosion of the landing 
gear tires. He used the flightline radio to direct the expediter toward 
Sergeant Romero. When Master Sergeant Rauch--the expediter--arrived, 
Sergeant Romero informed him of the situation and the need to stop the 
aircraft. Sergeant Rauch immediately used his UHF radio to contact the 
FAA tower and requested them to stop the airliner--which was quickly 
making its way towards an active runway. Sergeant Rauch and Sergeant 
Romero took the expediter truck to the disabled aircraft to assure 
themselves that the tire had indeed blown. They promptly notified the 
tower of their findings, and the flight was directed back to the 
terminal for repair.
  Mr. Speaker, had the aircraft not been stopped, it would have taken 
off with major damage to its right landing gear. The swift action of 
these three fine men averted a potential major accident and saved the 
lives of more than 70 people. I commend, S.M. Sgt. Willis Mulceroy, M. 
Sgt. Eldon Rauch, and T. Sgt. Henry Romero, Jr. for their heroics, and 
ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them for their actions. 
I extend to them my sincerest appreciation for a job well done.

                          ____________________