[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 105 (Thursday, July 22, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING LT. COL. CHARLES A. HAMILTON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 1999

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of a gentleman who has given much in the name of 
national service, and protecting our citizens. On Friday, July 23, the 
men and women of the United States Air Force 16th Operations Group and 
the 16th Special Operations Squadron, located at Hurlburt Field, 
Florida, will gather to witness the relinquishment of command by Lt. 
Col. Mark P. Transue, and the assumption of command by Lt. Col. Charles 
A. Hamilton.
  Born in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, Lt. Col. Charles Hamilton 
lived there until he was 18, and then entered the Air Force Academy. He 
graduated with a degree in Economics from the Academy and was 
commissioned on May 28, 1980. He was stationed at Reese Air Force Base 
in Texas from August 1980 to March 1985, where he was a student as well 
as instructor of new pilots. From there he went on to bases in New 
Mexico, Japan, Florida, and in January 1994, moved to the Pentagon, 
where he served as Operations Branch Chief, and Deputy Chief of the 
Special Operations Division, Directorate of Operations and Training, 
Deputate of Operations and Plans.
  Lt. Col. Hamilton remained at the Pentagon until August of 1997, 
where he was then returned to Hurlburt Field as an Instructor Pilot 
until August 1998, where he was then assigned to his current position 
of Operations Officer.
  The 16th Special Operations Squadron has committed themselves to 
support unified and theater special operations commands, through the 
implementation of night, close air support, armed reconnaissance, and 
interdiction missions in support of National Command Authorities 
taskings. The 16 SOS is one of only two squadrons utilizing the AC-130 
Gunship, an aircraft which was an important part in such exercises as 
Operations Just Cause, Desert Storm, and United Shield, among others. 
They have been honored with numerous commendations, including Two 
Presidential Unit Citations, four Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, 
and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.
  Mr. Speaker, I am exceptionally proud to represent a person like Lt. 
Col. Charles Hamilton in Congress. The task he prepared to undertake, 
to take command of one of the Air Force's premier squadrons, is one of 
great responsibility which I am certain he will handle with the utmost 
maturity and sense of duty. I ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress 
to join me in congratulating Lt. Col. Hamilton and sending him the best 
of wishes.

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