[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 163 (Thursday, November 29, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12152-S12153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   MAJOR GENERAL PAUL A. WEAVER, JR.

  Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to 
recognize one of the finest officers in our Armed Forces, Major General 
Paul A. Weaver, Jr., the Director of the Air National Guard. Well known 
and respected by many Members in this chamber, General Weaver will soon 
retire after almost 35 years of selfless service to our country. Today, 
I am honored to acknowledge some of General Weaver's distinguished 
accomplishments and to commend the superb service he has provided to 
the Air National Guard, the Air Force, and our great Nation.
  After completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Communicative Arts 
at Ithaca College, New York, Paul Weaver entered the Air Force in 1967 
and was commissioned through Officer Training School. After earning his 
pilot wings, he had flying assignments in the F-4E and O-2A, and 
completed overseas tours in Germany and Korea. In 1975, he joined the 
New York Air National Guard with which he served in increasing levels 
of responsibility. This culminated when he took command of the 105th 
Airlift Group at Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York, in 1985. 
Following his nine years as commander, General Weaver served as the Air 
National Guard's Deputy Director for four years and was appointed the 
Director of the Air Guard in 1998.
  General Weaver is a command pilot with more than 2,800 flying hours 
in five different aircraft. He is a veteran of Operations Desert 
Shield, Desert Storm, and Just Cause. General Weaver's decorations 
include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, 
Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force 
Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Combat Readiness Medal 
with Service Star, and Southwest Asia Service Medal with two oak leaf 
clusters.
  While serving as Commander of the 105th Airlift Wing, Paul Weaver was 
responsible for the largest conversion in the history of the Air 
National Guard. Under his command, the wing converted from the Air 
Force's smallest aircraft, the O-2 Skymaster, to its largest, the C-5 
Galaxy. During this conversion, he oversaw the largest military 
construction program in the history of the reserve forces as he 
literally rebuilt Stewart Air National Guard Base.
  As the Air National Guard's Director, General Weaver's 
accomplishments are also noteworthy. He had dedicated each year of his 
term to a different theme--transition, the enlisted force, the family, 
and employers, thereby providing focus and enhancements to these four 
crucial areas. In addition, Paul Weaver's modernization, readiness, 
people, and infrastructure initiatives have enabled a fuller 
partnership role in the Air Force's Expeditionary Aerospace Force. The 
Air Guard achieved all its domestic and global takings and requirements 
with a force that is also smaller in size. Under General Weaver's 
leadership, the Air National Guard is even more relevant, ready, 
responsive, and accessible than it has ever been.
  I would be remiss if I also did not mention that the Air National 
Guard is also fortunate to have another Weaver contributing to its 
success. Besides

[[Page S12153]]

fully supporting his chosen profession, Paul's wife, Cathylee Weaver 
has had a major impact on the Air Guard's Family Enrichment programs. 
With dignity and grace, she dedicated time and attention to Air 
National Guard families, which led to her recently being voted as 
Volunteer of the Year of Family Programs. Clearly, the Air National 
Guard will lose not one, but two, exceptional people.
  Let me close by saying that as both its Deputy and Director, General 
Weaver has made the Air National Guard a stronger and more capable 
partner for the Air Force. His distinguished and faithful service has 
provided significant and lasting contributions to our Nation's 
security. I know the members of the Senate will join me in paying 
tribute to this outstanding citizen-airmen and true patriot upon his 
retirement from the Air National Guard. We thank General Weaver, and 
wish him, Cathylee, and the entire Weaver family much health, 
happiness, and Godspeed.

                          ____________________