[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 146 (Wednesday, October 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2159-E2160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO COLONEL STEVEN S. HOFFMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM SAXTON

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 14, 1998

  Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate and pay tribute to 
Colonel Steven S. Hoffman as he retires from the United States Air 
Force following 28 years of outstanding military service. During his 
distinguished career, Colonel Hoffman has served his country, the U.S. 
Air Force, and the community of McGuire Air Force Base with distinction 
and honor.
  Since July 1996, Colonel Hoffman has been the Director of Staff and 
Inspector General at the 305th Air Mobility Wing, McGuire Air Force 
Base, New Jersey, a responsibility that cannot be overestimated nor 
underappreciated. It is during this period that I have gotten to 
personally know and appreciate Steve's professional integrity and 
positive outlook. As the Director of Staff, Steve directed and 
supervised the daily operational activities of 17 wing staff agencies. 
In his other role as the Inspector General, he was responsible for a 
base population of over 11,000 personnel with resources over $1.1 
billion and an annual budget exceeding $250 million. Steve excelled 
under a high operations tempo requiring his leadership and dedication 
at McGuire Air Force Base.
  A native of Shandanken, New York, Steve entered the Air Force in 1970 
through the Reserve Officer Training Corps and earned his pilot wings 
as a KC-135 pilot at Laredo Air Force Base, Texas. Although initially 
trained as a pilot, Steve sought early in his career to work with 
people and improve the personal and professional relationships within 
the Air Force. In addition to his piloting, his tours in the Air Force 
included positions in Public Affairs, Operations, Plans and Security, 
Air Force Liaison Officer and Commander/Publisher of the European Stars 
and Stripes.
  Steve's devotion to country and the Air Force is evidenced by the 
awards he has so richly earned. These awards include the Defense 
Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf 
clusters, Air Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak 
leaf cluster.

[[Page E2160]]

  Col. Hoffman, his lovely wife Joyce and their two daughters, Jessica 
Marie and Jennifer Gabrielle will soon begin a new life in his hometown 
in New York. I know I speak for the entire McGuire community in wishing 
Steve and his family the very best as they leave the U.S. Air Force. I 
offer my personal thanks and the thanks of an appreciative nation as he 
begins a new chapter in his life.

                          ____________________