[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF MAJOR THOMAS CARR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PHIL ENGLISH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 1998

  Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness 
and a deep sense of pride, that I rise today to honor Major Thomas 
Carr, a native of Erie, Pennsylvania. Major Carr lost his life on 
September 12, 1998, during an Air Force attack training mission when 
his F-16D jet went down over the Avon Bombing Range in Florida.
  Major Thomas Carr, 37, a United States Air Force Reservist, set a 
positive example for all of us. As his Meritorious Service Medal 
Citation states, ``He sacrificed his life in the defense of his nation, 
and in the name of freedom.'' Major Carr, a widely respected officer, 
set high standards and inspired those who had the privilege of knowing 
him.
  Major Carr developed his love of flying as a child at his first Erie 
Air Show. As an Air Force aviator, he understood and accepted the risks 
associated with flying planes. Living life to the fullest, he moved 
effortlessly from riding a dirt bike and waterskiing to flying F-16D 
jets for the Air Force.
  Major Carr had over 12 years of Air Force service--eight years of 
active duty and four years of reserve duty. In his military career, he 
had been stationed in Korea, the Persian Gulf, Italy, Iraq, and Bosnia, 
flying several missions around the world. In fact, earlier this year, 
he had flown missions over Iraq during Operation Northern Watch.
  Major Thomas Carr received numerous awards for his performance as a 
pilot from the Air Force. Major Carr was awarded the Air Force 
Meritorious Service Medal, which was presented to his family 
posthumously. He was best described as ``the epitome of a fighter 
pilot.'' Mr. Speaker, I have enclosed the citation that accompanied 
this award and ask that it be inserted in the Record.
  Major Carr was a 1979 Erie Tech Memorial High School graduate. He 
graduated from Clemson University with a degree in electrical 
engineering in 1984. He was a graduate of the Air Force's elite Fighter 
Weapons School. He was also a pilot for American Airlines based out of 
Miami, Florida.
  Major Carr is survived by his wife, Karen; sister Kathy Rozantz; and 
his parents, Tom and June Carr of Erie, Pennsylvania. Our thoughts and 
prayers go out to Major Carr's family and friends.

   Citation to Accompany the Award of the Meritorious Service Medal 
                     (Posthumous) to Thomas M. Carr

       Major Thomas M. Carr distinguished himself in the 
     performance of outstanding service to the United States while 
     assigned to the 93rd Fighter Squadron, Homestead Air Reserve 
     Station, Florida, from 21 August 1995 to 12 September 1998. 
     During this period, the outstanding professional skill, 
     leadership and ceaseless efforts of Major Carr facilitated 
     two major overseas deployments, three live weapons 
     deployments, one Operational Readiness Inspection and an 
     expeditious conversion from the F-16A to the F-16C aircraft. 
     As the Squadron Weapons Officer, Major Carr continually 
     pushed his unit's readiness higher through comprehensive 
     academic and aerial instruction. Hand-picked for the United 
     States Air Force Weapons School, he was praised by his 
     commander for his outstanding leadership as senior ranking 
     officer and role model for his class. His extensive efforts 
     in preparation for the unit's combat deployments in support 
     of Operation Northern Watch ensured the success of this 
     highly visible major contingency reflected a distinctively 
     genuine concern for his fellow warriors and he established 
     the standard for all of those who selflessly dedicate their 
     lives in the service of the United States Air Force. Major 
     Carr was the epitome of the citizen airman. His career 
     reflected a distinctively genuine concern for his fellow 
     warriors and he established the standard for all of those who 
     selflessly dedicate their lives in the service of the United 
     States Air Force. Major Carr upheld the finest qualities and 
     the highest traditions of a combat aviator. He sacrificed his 
     life in the defense of his nation, and in the name of 
     freedom.

     

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