[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL LEROY BARNIDGE, JR.

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                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2000

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to recognize a truly 
outstanding officer, Brigadier General Leroy Barnidge, Jr., United 
States Air Force. General Barnidge will soon be completing his 
assignment as the Commander of the 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force 
Base, Missouri, located in the heart of my Congressional District.
  General Barnidge distinguished himself by exceptional conduct in the 
performance of his duties as the commander of America's only B-2 bomber 
base. A natural leader, he carried America's most visible bomber from 
infancy to warfighting maturity and beyond. Widely recognized as a 
leading Air Force ambassador, he was hand-picked to host the highest 
levels of visitors including President Clinton and President Gorbachev, 
the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretaries of the Air 
Force and Navy, and many of our colleagues in Congress. General 
Barnidge's command of one of the most inspected facilities under the 
START Treaty was unprecedented, resulting in five visits with no 
discrepancies. He also led the wing to an Excellent rating in its 
first-ever B-2 Nuclear Operations Readiness Inspections and two nuclear 
surety inspections. In addition, the wing maintained an impeccable 
safety record in both combat and daily operations, as General Barnidge 
always kept flight and ground safety at the forefront of planning and 
execution.
  General Barnidge's unmatched communications skills resulted in 
worldwide coverage of the B-2 and 509th Bomb Wing during his 
participation in press conferences with both the White House and 
Pentagon Press Corps. Through his energetic support of community 
activities and numerous speaking engagements, he single-handedly built 
a relationship between the base and local community that will last for 
years. His visionary leadership will pay dividends to the 509th Bomb 
Wing and the Air Force far into the future.
  In addition, General Barnidge was recently named Air Combat Command's 
Outstanding Wing Commander and awarded the Moller Trophy. This trophy 
is presented to the wing commander who demonstrates the most effective 
personal leadership to achieve or maintain the wing's combat 
effectiveness. General Barnidge led the 509th Bomb Wing into air power 
history and set the standard for future operations with overwhelming 
success during Operation Allied Force.
  Mr. Speaker, General Barnidge deserves the thanks and praise of the 
nation that he has faithfully served for so long. Also, his wife, 
Sandy, deserves so much credit for her strong supportive role. I know 
the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to this 
exceptional officer.

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