[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 6 (Wednesday, February 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E93-E94]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO CAPT. ROBERT E. ANDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 1998

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pleasure to honor and 
acknowledge Robert E. Anderson for his distinguished career and his 
contributions to family, community, and nation. On February 1, 1998, 
Captain Anderson retired from his position as Delta Air Lines Chief 
Pilot based in Los Angeles, culminating an illustrious career. I thank 
you Mr. Speaker and esteemed colleagues for joining me in commemorating 
this occasion.
  Robert Anderson embarked on his path of lifetime achievement in 1955, 
graduating as valedictorian from Roosevelt High School in

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Gary, Indiana. He earned both academic and Naval Reserve Officer 
Training Corps scholarships to the University of California, Los 
Angeles (U.C.L.A.). Upon graduation from U.C.L.A. in 1960 with a 
bachelor of science degree in Electrical Engineering, Captain Anderson 
was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy.
  Captain Anderson served his country in the Navy for five years. After 
flight training in Pensacola, Florida, and Corpus Cristi, Texas, he was 
deployed to Vietnam where he patrolled the coast at the controls of a 
P2V airplane. Following his 1965 Honorable Discharge from active duty 
in the Navy, Captain Anderson returned to Los Angeles and continued 
military service until 1972 as a member of the United States Naval 
Reserve. During this time he was employed by I.B.M. as a systems 
engineer.
  In 1968, Captain Anderson began his career as a commercial aviator 
with Western Air Lines. He was the second African-American pilot hired 
by the airline and began with the rank of Second Officer flying 737s. 
At Western, Anderson steadily progressed through the ranks. He was 
promoted to First Officer in 1972 and earned his Captain's wings in 
1979. In June of 1980 he made the transition to DC-10s as a First 
Officer. Also a member of the Air Line Pilot's Association (ALPA) since 
1968, Capt. Anderson's colleagues expressed their esteem for him by 
selecting him to serve as Chairman of ALPA's Grievance Committee for 
five years.
  Captain Anderson flew 737 and DC-10 jet aircraft for Western until 
its acquisition by Delta Airlines in 1987. He retained his rank of 
Captain, flying 727 jets for the carrier. In 1989, Captain Anderson 
took on additional responsibilities as Line Check Airman; and in 1991 
he became an Assistant Chief Pilot based in Los Angeles and in 1996 was 
promoted to become Delta's first African-American Chief Pilot, a 
position he held until retirement.
  In addition to his distinguished aviation career, Captain Anderson 
has been a devoted family man. Robert and Yolanda Anderson are the 
proud parents of four: Roderick Eldon, Kimberly Mauriere, Staci 
Larelle, and Roslynn Elise; and the grandparents of young Tyrone Pierce 
Hinderson, Jr.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Captain Robert Anderson on his service to 
our nation and on a stellar career in aviation. I ask that you join me 
in commending and extending our best wishes to him and Yolanda for many 
years of good health and prosperity.

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