[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 14 (Thursday, February 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO COLONEL ROBERT L. HOMER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2002

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, Colonel Robert L. Homer retired on 26 
September 2001 from his position as the Logistics Group Commander for 
the 174th Fighter Wing, New York Air National Guard in Syracuse. He was 
appointed to this position on 2 Nov 95.
  Col. Homer was born on 28 September 1945 in Ithaca, NY. He graduated 
from Skaneateles High School in 1963 and earned his Bachelor of Arts 
Degree from St. Lawrence University, NY in 1967. He went on to graduate 
from Syracuse University with a Masters in Business Administration 
Degree in 1971. His military education includes Squadron Officer 
School, Air Command & Staff College and Air War College.
  Col. Homer enlisted in the NYANG in Aug 1968, was commissioned in 
March 1969 and graduated from Pilot Training in 1970 as Distinguished 
Graduate. He began working Full-Time at the 174th in 1975 as a Flight 
Instructor and held various positions within Operations to include 
Ground Training Officer, Stan/Eval Officer, Scheduling Officer, Air 
Operations Officer and Deputy Commander for Operations. In 1991, when 
the 174th was activated during Operation Desert Storm, he was assigned 
as a Mission Director on the Joint Stars Aircraft. Following that, he 
went on to head the NYS Counter Drug Program for Headquarters, NYANG in 
Albany, NY. His last assignment prior to his current position was that 
of establishing the Minimum Essential Airfield (MEA), at Griffiss AFB 
in conjunction with the Base Realignment and Closure Act of 1995.
  Col. Homer is a command pilot, having been combat qualified in the A-
37, A-10 and F-16; with more than 4,000 flying hours.
  His awards and decorations include The Bronze Star Medal, Air Force 
Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device 
and 4 devices, Combat Readiness Medal with 5 devices, National Defense 
Service Medal with 1 device, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 
devices, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 5 devices, Armed 
Forces Reserve Medal with 1 device, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship 
Ribbon with 1 device, Air Force Training Ribbon, and Kuwait Liberation 
Medal.
  His military and civic affiliations include the National Guard 
Association of New York, Militia Association of New York, and the Air 
Force Association.
  Col. Homer resides in Scott, NY with his wife, the former Lynn Bari.

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