[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 116 (Monday, September 10, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H5457-H5458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO GENERAL MICHAEL E. RYAN

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this morning I would like to 
rise to pay tribute to a great American, General Michael E. Ryan, the 
chief of staff of the United States Air Force. His departure on 
September 6 last week from active duty signaled an evolutionary change: 
the first time in 63 years, if you can believe that, that a Ryan is 
absent from the roles of the United States Air Force. His father, 
General John Ryan, also served as a senior uniformed Air Force officer.
  General Mike Ryan's career spanned over 3 decades during which he 
distinguished himself as an airman leader and trusted advisor to both 
the President and the United States Congress.
  After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1965, General Ryan 
began his illustrious career of faithful service to this Nation.
  During his 36 years of service, he commanded at the squadron, wing, 
numbered air force and major command levels. He flew combat missions in 
southeast Asia, including 100 missions over north Vietnam.
  He was a fighter pilot, I can tell you that. I was one, too; and he 
was a fighter pilot's fighter pilot.
  He also served in key assignments at the major command level, 
headquarters of the United States Air Force and the joint staff right 
here in Washington, DC.
  As commander of the 16th Air Force and allied forces southern Europe 
in Italy, he directed the NATO air combat operations in Bosnia-
Herzegovina that directly contributed to the Dayton peace accords. He 
was the head of the Air Force at the time when we used the B-2 bomber 
to great effectiveness in that war.
  General Ryan is a command pilot with more than 4,100 hours flying 
time in seven different aircraft, including 153 combat missions.
  His decorations and medals include: the Defense Distinguished Service 
Medal with oak leaf cluster; the Distinguished Service Medal; the 
Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters; the Distinguished Flying 
Cross; the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters; the 
Air Medal with 11 oak leaf clusters; the Air Force Commendation Medal 
with two oak leaf clusters; and the Vietnam Service Medal with three 
service stars.
  After serving as the commander of the United States Air Force in 
Europe and commander of the allied air forces in central Europe, 
General Ryan took the stick of the Air Force as its 16th chief of 
staff.
  He has exemplified the quiet dignity and honor of that office. His 
leadership, integrity and foresight set the right vector for our 21st 
century Air Force, and his expeditionary force concept is now in being.
  History has proven that a true leader sets the right vector and then 
clears the path to allow his commanders to truly command their units.
  General Ryan personifies this type of leader, and I quote, ``I do not 
think leadership should be personalized. Good ideas are best when they 
do not have a single identity. Leadership is a team effort.''
  I want to take a moment, if I can, to identify the remarkable 
accomplishments of General Ryan's team effort.
  He and his leadership team have successfully arrested the Air Force 
readiness decline of the last decade. They

[[Page H5458]]

have built stability into the expeditionary operations our Nation 
demands by reorganizing the United States Air Force.
  He has led the Air Force retention and recruiting effort that ensured 
quality was never sacrificed for quantity in an all-volunteer force 
competing in a strong job market.
  He led the effort to provide lifetime health care and a retirement 
system that properly compensates the member's service to his country. 
He was a people person, and he believed in the people that were in the 
United States Air Force.
  In a period of leadership challenges, General Ryan led our Air Force 
through 4 tumultuous years, balancing reduction in force with increased 
operational tasking.
  Without question, the United States Air Force is the world's premier 
aerospace force, and our country owes a debt of gratitude to General 
Mike Ryan.
  One key contributor to the U.S. Air Force ``One family, one Air 
Force'' and a person General Ryan owes much of his success to is his 
wife, Jane Ryan, who was instrumental in dealing with the personnel 
problems of the military throughout the Air Force.
  With dignity and grace, she selflessly gave her time and attention to 
the men and women of the Air Force family. Her sacrifice and devotion 
served as an example and inspiration for others.
  The Air Force lost not one but two very exceptional people.
  Last Thursday's review ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base was a 
demonstration of the total force concept that exemplified the superb 
ability of our airmen and officers that General Ryan has led and 
improved during his tenure.
  Those F-4D that flew by were a symbol of his career as fighter pilot 
and his combat excellence. He actually flew in an F-16 the day before.
  In closing, the Air Force is a better institution today than it was 4 
years ago. General Ryan's distinguished and faithful service provided a 
significant and lasting contribution to our Air Force and our Nation's 
security.
  He has served our Nation with honor and distinction. I know the 
Members of both the House and Senate join me in paying tribute to this 
outstanding American patriot upon his retirement from the United States 
Air Force.
  We thank him, wish him and his family much health, happiness and God 
speed.
  General Ryan, good flight, mission complete.

                          ____________________