[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 151 (Monday, November 1, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S13616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL LINDA J. STIERLE

 Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to 
honor Brigadier General Linda J. Stierle as she retires after twenty-
nine years of active duty service in the United States Air Force. 
General Stierle culminates her distinguished career as the Director of 
Medical Readiness and Nursing Services in the Office of the Air Force 
Surgeon General. She is the first Nurse Corps officer to be appointed 
as the Director of Medical Readiness for the Air Force Medical Service. 
Under her direction, the medical readiness doctrine has been 
reengineered to be faster, lighter, and more responsive to the needs of 
the fighting force. Thanks to her extraordinary leadership, the Air 
Force Medical Service is positioned to fully support the Air Force's 
new Expeditionary Air Force structure in meeting current and future 
contingencies.
  General Stierle's distinguished career began in 1970 when she 
received a direct commission in the Air Force Nurse Corps as a second 
lieutenant. Highlights of her diverse and challenging career include 
serving as Director of the Department of Nursing at two of the Air 
Force's largest medical centers--David Grant USAF Medical Center, 
Travis Air Force Base, California, and Wilford Hall USAF Medical 
Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Prior to her current position, 
she served as the Command Nurse, Office of the Command Surgeon, Air 
Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, where she provided 
leadership and oversight of nursing services for 12 medical treatment 
facilities and the worldwide Aeromedical Evacuation System.
  Mr. President, more than fifty years ago, as I was recovering in a 
military hospital, I began a unique relationship with military nurses. 
General Stierle embodies what I know military nurses to be--strong, 
professional leaders who are committed to serve their fellow comrades 
in arms and their country. General Stierle's many meritorious awards 
and decorations demonstrate her contributions in a tangible way, but it 
is the legacy she leaves behind for the Air Force Nurse Corps for which 
we are most appreciative. It is with pride that I congratulate General 
Stierle on her outstanding career of exemplary service.

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