[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 30 (Thursday, February 25, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S2042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL RANDALL M. ``MARK'' SCHMIDT

 Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, it is my distinct privilege to rise 
today to thank Brigadier General Randall M. ``Mark'' Schmidt for his 
service as commander of the 366th Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, 
Idaho. General Schmidt has been at Mountain Home since August of 1997, 
and will soon move on to reassignment as commander, Joint Task Force, 
Southwest Asia.
  I have long been proud of the 366th Wing. The Wing's motto is, 
``Anywhere, anytime,'' Mountain Home is unique because it is the Air 
Force's only air intervention composite wing. The 366th is ready to 
deploy on a moment's notice with its own integrated command, control, 
communications, and intelligence capabilities. The Wing is a composite 
force already built and trained, ready to fight and intervene anytime, 
any where. However, it is clear that the reason this concept has been a 
success is because of the dedicated patriots who have had the privilege 
to serve at Mountain Home. Commander Schmidt has exemplified that 
tradition.
  By all accounts, General Schmidt's service has been nothing short of 
extraordinary. He has made the goal of ``one community'' a reality at 
Mountain Home. He has integrated every airman, regardless of rank, to 
be part of the 366th team. He puts his words into action. The biggest 
testiment to his talent is the fine work of men and women who are part 
of the 366th. Indeed, Mountain Home and Idaho have been fortunate to 
have him.
  However, Commander Schmidt's talents do not come as a surprise to me. 
As a Westerner, a former rancher, and a history buff, I have always 
been captivated by the pioneer spirit. It is that spirit which brought 
many of our ancestor to America, and some of them across America to 
settle in the West. It is that same spirit that isn't afraid of 
challenges, hardships or hard work, which can be measured and found 
throughout this great nation, and is at certainly home in the men and 
women of the United States Air Force.
  In addition to saying thank you, let me also take this opportunity to 
congratulate Commander Schmidt. Secretary Cohen has selected him to be 
one of a small, select group of Brigadier Generals nominated for 
promotion to Major General. As he prepares to leave for the desert to 
serve on joint command, I hope and believe that he will always consider 
himself an Idahoan.
  General Schmidt, thank you, congratulations, and godspeed.

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