[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 125 (Thursday, September 18, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1802-E1803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SALUTE TO THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 1997

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay a special tribute to 
the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force and the Air National Guard, 
especially the 146th Airlift Wing based in my California congressional 
district.
  The 146th is California's largest Air National Guard unit and has 
been recognized by both the Air Force Association and the National 
Guard Association of the United States as the best flying unit in the 
Air National Guard. These prestigious awards have not come easily. 
During World War II, as part of the 115th

[[Page E1803]]

Observation Squadron, the wing fought in various combat theaters around 
the world, displaying courage in battles in the Pacific, Europe and 
China-Burma-India theaters.
  The 146th distinguished itself during the 1950's in the Korean war, 
and in the 1960's Southeast Asia conflict flying a variety of combat 
air support missions. Since 1970, the wing's C-130 aircraft have 
traveled to all corners of the world, airlifting troops, passengers, 
and cargo during training missions, exercise deployments, and real-
world military operations.
  In 1992, the wing received its third Air Force Outstanding Unit 
Award. The 146th was praised for extraordinary service to the Nation, 
State, and local communities during hostilities in Panama and in the 
Persian Gulf, and in peacetime humanitarian airlifts and aerial fire 
fighting.
  Mr. Speaker, while the mission and accomplishments of the 146th 
Airlift Wing are truly commendable, their true strength lies in the men 
and women who comprise the wing. I am pleased to pay tribute to them 
today and congratulate them on 50 years of service to our Nation, 
State, and community.

                          ____________________