[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 133 (Friday, October 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1806]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COLONEL JAMES A. McMURRY RETIRES AS COMMANDER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS E. PETRI

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 4, 2001

  Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, on October 26, 2001, Colonel James A. McMurry 
will retire as Commander of Volk Field Combat Readiness Training 
Center, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin. After a distinguished career in the 
U.S. Air Force as an instructor pilot, Colonel McMurry joined the 
Wisconsin Air National Guard where he served as an instructor pilot, 
flight examiner and squadron standardization officer with the 128th 
Tactical Fighter Wing. During that time, he participated in three 
overseas deployments. In 1989 he was assigned to lead the installation 
of a $31 million Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation system at Volk 
Field. He became Commander in November, 1993. In 1997, he was assigned 
the additional duty of Air National Guard liaison to the Air Force 
Command and Control Battle Lab.
  Colonel McMurry is a command pilot with over 3800 hours in a variety 
of aircraft. His awards and commendations include the Meritorious 
Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation 
Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Outstanding Unit Award 
and the Organizational Excellence Award.
  Colonel McMurry represents the very best in leadership in the 
Wisconsin National Guard. He is considered one of the most accomplished 
and respected senior officers in the Air National Guard. He has led in 
the area of new technologies to train the men and women of the future 
Total Force.
  In addition to his distinguished military career, Colonel McMurry has 
served in a number of community leadership roles including the American 
Legion, Lions Club, County Wisconsin Workers Steering Committee and the 
Greater Mauston Wisconsin Development Corporation.
  Colonel McMurry resides in Mauston with his wife, Sue, and their 
three children, April, Sara and Mike.
  I have considered it an honor and a privilege to have worked with 
Colonel McMurry since his arrival at Volk Field, which is located 
within the 6th Congressional District that I represent. It is fitting 
that he receives full recognition and praise for the service he has 
rendered to his community, his state and his nation along with the 
thanks and best wishes of his fellow citizens in Wisconsin.

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