[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO COLONEL JEFFREY A. REMINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, this is a sad month for the 
State of New Mexico and at the same time a wonderful gain for the 
Nation. Colonel Jeff Remington, commander of the 27th Fighter Wing at 
Cannon Air Force Base will be leaving on March 28. After an admirable 
tenure, he has been selected to command the 18th Wing, Pacific Air 
Forces at Kadena Air Base in Japan.
  While we are disappointed to see him go, we are very grateful for the 
contributions he made to Cannon and eastern New Mexico in general. 
Since arriving in May 2000, Colonel Remington, with steadfast personal 
commitment, led the base with pride and honor. He continually 
demonstrated outstanding leadership in every manner. All who have 
served for or with Colonel Remington have nothing but praise and the 
highest personal regard for him.
  He is a man of exemplary character, and the highest sense of personal 
honor. He epitomizes all that the concept of being involved in the 
United States Air Force represents.
  Colonel Remington made a special emphasis on positioning Cannon Air 
Force Base as a community partner with the surrounding counties. He 
made a point to participate in local events, let the public know about 
the base's contributions to national defense, and in essence, became a 
neighbor.
  He never hid the joy that he had in this particular assignment. 
Indeed, in an editorial he wrote for the Clovis News Journal, he wrote, 
``I have the best job in the Air Force at the best base in the Air 
Force.''
  I traveled to Cannon shortly after the events of September 11, to 
receive a briefing from Colonel Remington about the role that the base 
was playing in light of the attacks. During our meeting, he expressed 
his absolute confidence in the men and women who served under him at 
the base. It was most inspiring to see a leader who believed so much in 
the people he was guiding. I believe it is that type of leadership that 
has made him so admired and effective at Cannon.
  Of course his tenure at Cannon is only one of many assignments that 
he has had in an Air Force career that spans twenty-five years. After 
graduating in 1977 from the U.S. Air Force Academy, he earned his wings 
as a distinguished graduate of pilot training at Williams Air Force 
Base, Arizona. Colonel Remington flew F-16s in Europe where he filled 
numerous positions, He was also a pilot for the Thunderbirds. His 
previous command assignments include the 80th Fighter Squadron at 
Kunsan Air Force Base in Korea and the 366th Operations Group at 
Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.
  Such a distinguished career has led to a number of awards and 
decorations including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of 
Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and others.
  Cannon Air Force Base has benefited from having such an accomplished 
and disciplined commander at its helm for the past two years. I know 
that Colonel Remington will positively impact all of his future 
assignments. For myself, I look very forward to meeting and working 
with his successor, Colonel Robert Yates, who is leaving as commander 
of the 355th Operations Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in 
Arizona.
  Mr. Speaker, the residents of eastern New Mexico will miss this 
extraordinary gentleman who served our New Mexico so well. I hope that 
someday, somewhere, Colonel Remington reflects on his time in the Land 
of Enchantment and remembers the difference he made in our community. I 
am proud that I had the opportunity to work with him, and I remain 
confident that his example will continue to live in the hearts and 
minds of his fellow officers.

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