[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 22, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE 110TH FIGHTER WING OF THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
proud achievements of the 110th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard. 
This group was recently awarded the prestigious United States Air Force 
Outstanding Unit Award for meritorious service, an award given to only 
three Air National Guard fighter wings. I would like to take this 
opportunity to share the history of success of this unit.
  The 110th Fighter Wing has served America courageously around the 
world. Recently, the unit conducted flight operations from Aviano Air 
Base, Italy, in support of Operation Joint Guard over Bosnia-
Herzegovina. During this period, the unit received a grade of 
``Outstanding''--an honor reserved for only the elite forces in the 
U.S. Armed Services--for an Operational Readiness Inspection. This 
distinction was the first ever given to a Michigan-based unit.
  Mr. President, I would also like to recognize the service of Col. Ken 
Heaton, USAF, the unit's commander. Under Colonel Heaton's command, the 
110th Fighter Wing has continued its history of excellence with these 
most recent awards. In the unit's 52-year history, it has been awarded 
the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award four times.
  I am proud to have the opportunity to share the accomplishments of 
the 110th Fighter Wing on the floor of the U.S. Senate. On behalf of 
the State of Michigan, I congratulate Colonel Heaton and his unit on 
their achievements, and I look forward to hearing of this unit's 
laurels for years to come.

                          ____________________