[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 154 (Friday, December 18, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CONGRATULATIONS TO MR. ERNEST J. KING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 18, 1998

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give special tribute to my 
constituent and good friend, Mr. Ernest J. King of Temple, Texas. On 
January 2, 1999, Mr. King will retire from government service upon 
serving his country for forty-two years and nine months.
  Born in Palestine, West Virginia, Mr. King joined the Army National 
Guard in 1956 and served with distinction as a guardsman until 1971. In 
that capacity, he became a specialist in the Nike Ajax and Nike 
Hercules military fire control systems at Fort MacArthur, California. 
Throughout his tenure there, he earned various awards and commendations 
befitting his exemplary service in the Guard.
  Upon completing his military service, he began his twenty-seven year 
tenure as an electronics technician with the Federal Aviation 
Administration. His breadth of experience highlights Mr. King's service 
in the FAA. He received numerous citations for his dedication to 
excellence, often described in accolades from his superiors as having 
``a can-do attitude'', ``a keen sense of personal initiative'' and ``a 
professionalism maintained at a level far beyond the call of duty''. 
Mr. King played an instrumental role in attaining the FAA's Best 
Regional Sector Field Office of the Year Award for 1974 and Best 
Regional Sector of the Year Award for 1981. He was also lauded for his 
efforts in the Panama Canal Zone. After President Carter signed the 
Panama Canal Treaty in 1978, Mr. King and his colleagues were charged 
with the air traffic and radar control transition from United States to 
Panamanian jurisdiction. They did this with particular distinction, 
earning high praise from the regional headquarters in Atlanta.
  The King family has resided in my Congressional district since 1981. 
My admiration and fondness for them run deep. Furthermore, I extend my 
sincere appreciation to Mr. King for his commitment and duty to his 
country for over forty years.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing and 
honoring a gentleman who has served his country and community well.

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