[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 125 (Thursday, September 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




MAJOR GENERAL MICHAEL K. WYRICK GIVES 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE UNITED 
                            STATES AIR FORCE

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                           HON. LARRY COMBEST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 1999

  Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of our nation's 
finest military leaders. General Michael K. Wyrick proudly has given 30 
years of uniformed service to our country, and now begins his 
retirement. Capping his stellar career by serving as Deputy Surgeon 
General of the United States Air Force, he is the only healthcare 
administrator in the Air Force to ever attain this position. It is both 
fitting and appropriate to take a moment to celebrate the 
accomplishments of this decorated officer.
  General Wyrick, a young West Texas gentleman, entered the military in 
1969 as a graduate of the Texas Christian University Air Force Reserve 
Officer Training Corps. General Wyrick displayed his natural leadership 
abilities in successful early, military assignments at Charleston Air 
Force Base, South Carolina and Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. 
General Wyrick then earned a Master's Degree in Health Service 
Administration from Baylor University. His vast knowledge of 
administrative strategy and leadership was complemented by additional, 
highly competitive academic endeavors. Graduation from Air War College 
and participation in select leadership development programs at Duke 
University and Cornell University are included among his most recent 
academic accomplishments. Baylor University has since recognized 
General Wyrick with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Graduate 
Program in Health Care Administration. Many additional honors have also 
been bestowed upon the General for his administrative excellence, 
including the Outstanding Federal Services Administrator Award from the 
Association of Military Surgeons of the United States and the 
Healthcare Administration Award from the American Academy of Medical 
Administrators.
  General Wyrick has held numerous key domestic and overseas 
assignments in the Air Force Medical Service. In addition to being 
named the Chief Administrator of four Air Force hospitals, he directed 
the medical programs and resources in the headquarters of the Office of 
the Surgeon General prior to being named the Deputy Surgeon General of 
the Air Force. As Chief of the Air Force Medical Service Corps, General 
Wyrick's vital task was coordinating and executing the health care 
mission of the United States Air Force. The finesse with which he 
shoulders every responsibility has helped General Wyrick become such a 
highly decorated leader. Today, he proudly wears the Air Force 
Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service 
Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and the prestigious Legion of Merit.
  Major General Wyrick's wife, Carol, and children, Brian and Lauri, 
and his hometown of Amarillo, Texas look to General Wyrick as a source 
of great pride. He has brought honor to the distinguished uniform of 
the United States Air Force that he has proudly worn for the past 30 
years. His unmatched leadership ability and strength of character set 
him apart as one of our nation's finest citizens and most valued 
military officers. It is my pleasure to recognize General Michael K. 
Wyrick's outstanding career of exemplary service.

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