[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 16 (Thursday, February 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING COURTNEY H. MANK ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE U.S. AIR 
                                 FORCE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 1998

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Colonel 
Courtney H. Mank on his July retirement from the United States Air 
Force. I hope Members will join with me today to thank Colonel Mank for 
his contributions to the U.S. Air Force, his community and the country. 
A graduate of Killeen High School in Killeen, Texas in 1964, Colonel 
Mank earned a bachelor's degree in education from Southwest Texas State 
University in 1968. In 1977, he completed his master's degree in 
personnel management from Webster College.
  He received a commission as a second lieutenant through the Air Force 
Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1968, and was assigned as chief of 
security police at Laughlin AFB, Texas.
  In June 1970, Colonel Mank was transferred to Cam Ranh Bay, Republic 
of Vietnam, where he served as base defense officer. He returned to the 
United States in June 1971, and was assigned as commander of the 58th 
Security Police Squadron, Luke AFB, Arizona.
  Colonel Mank's selection as an Air Staff Training Officer in June 
1972 resulted in an assignment to Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Office 
of the Inspector General for Security Police, Washington, D.C. The 
following year, he was assigned to Langley AFB, Virginia, inspection 
team. In March 1975, Colonel Mank was assigned to the Air Force 
Military Personnel Center, Randolph AFB, Texas, as a career management 
staff officer and executive officer.
  In February 1979, Colonel Mank was assigned to the Alaskan Air 
Command Security Police Staff, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, as chief of the 
operations branch. While at Elmendorf, the colonel assumed command of 
the 21st SPS in March 1980. Colonel Mank was then assigned as chief of 
security police, Headquarters, Air Defense, Tactical, Langley AFB, 
Virginia, in February 1982. In July 1984, he was transferred to 
Holloman AFB, New Mexico, assuming command of the 833rd SPS. After 
transferring to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in August 1986, Colonel 
Mank became chief of the physical security division, deputy chief of 
staff, security police, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe.
  He later transferred to Headquarters Electronic Security Command, 
Kelly AFB, Texas, as the chief of security police.
  In July 1991, the colonel became commander of the 857th Security 
Police Group, Minot AFB, North Dakota. Colonel Mank assumed his current 
position on June 1, 1993.
  The colonel's military decorations and awards include the Legion of 
Merit; Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with seven oak leaf 
clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster; Air 
Force Outstanding Unit Award with ``V'' device and one oak leaf 
cluster; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with two 
service stars; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm device; 
and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
  The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Mank culminate 
a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and 
reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
  I ask members to join me in wishing Colonel Mank the very best as he 
returns to Killeen, Texas upon his retirement.

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