[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E746-E747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO MAJOR MATTHEW M. MODLESKI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2000

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, on 31 August 2000, Maj. Matthew M. Modleski 
is retiring as the Air Force Advisor for the 174th Fighter Wing, New 
York Air National Guard in Syracuse, NY. He assumed this position in 
February 1998. In this capacity, he serves as the active duty personnel 
representative for the 9th Air Force Commander, as well as assisting 
the 174th Fighter Wing in preparing for mobilization, while attaining 
the highest possible level of combat readiness.
  Major Modleski was born on 22 September 1962 in Hudson, NY. He 
graduated from West Seneca High School, West Seneca, NY in 1980 and 
enlisted in the Air Force in July of that same year. He was a Jet 
Engine Technician until 1983 when he crosstrained into Air Traffic 
Control. He served as a controller at Dover AFB, DE from April 1984 
until September 1987, and was awarded Controller of the Year honors in 
1986.
  Major Modleski earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Wilmington 
College, DE in May of 1987 and went on to earn a Masters of 
Aeronautical Science Degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University 
in Florida. Major Modleski attended Officer Training School in 1987 and 
was the Honor Graduate for his class. He completed Undergraduate Pilot 
Training at Williams AFB, AZ and went on to fly the A-10 Warthog at RAF 
Bentwater/Woodbridge, UK.
  He was an instructor Pilot in the 78th TFS and a Flight Examiner in 
the 81st TFW. Major Modleski was then assigned to the 355th Wing, 357th 
FS at Davis Monthan AFB, AZ as the Chief of Standardization and 
Evaluation and a Flight Commander. In 1993 Major Modleski was the 355th 
Wing Instructor Pilot of the Year and in 1995 he was selected to be a 
member of the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, The 
Thunderbirds. Major Modleski flew as the Opposing Solo during the 1996 
Show Season and then as the Lead Solo during the Air Forces 50th 
Anniversary celebration during the 1997 Show Season. He then began his 
current assignment as the 174th Fighter Wing Air Force Advisor.
  Major Modleski is a senior pilot with more than 2,850 flying hours in 
the F-16, A-10, T-38, and T-37.
  His military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying 
Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal with 1 
device, Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 device, Joint Meritorious 
Unit Award, AF Outstanding Unit Award with 3 devices, Combat Readiness 
Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 device, National Defense 
Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 1 device, Humanitarian 
Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, AF Longevity 
Service Award Ribbon with 3 devices,

[[Page E747]]

NCO Professional Military Education Graduation Ribbon, Small Arms 
Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with 1 device, and the Air Force Training 
Ribbon with 1 device.
  Major Modleski is a member of the Air Force Association as well as 
the Air Force Daedalians. He is also a member of the Experimental 
Aircraft Association, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
  Major Modleski resides in Baldwinsville, NY, and is married to the 
former Dianne Reilly of Schaumburg, Illinois.

                          ____________________