[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 124 (Thursday, September 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO COLONEL PAUL J. RICHTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 25, 2002

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, On 31 July 2002, Colonel Paul J. Richter 
retired as the Support Group Commander of the 174th Fighter Wing, New 
York Air National Guard in Syracuse, New York. He assumed this position 
in January 1994, and was responsible for over 100 full-time and 300 
traditional guardsmen.
  He was previously assigned as the Deputy Commander for Resources from 
1987–1994, during which time he was activated in December 1990 to 
Al Kharj Air Base, Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Storm, until the 
base deactivated in July 1991.
  Colonel Richter was born on 28 November 1948 in St Louis, Missouri. 
He graduated St. Mary's High School in 1967, and attended St. Louis 
University on an AFROTC scholarship earning a Bachelor of Science 
Degree in Civil Engineering. His professional military education 
includes Squadron Officers School, 1984; Air Command and Staff School, 
1986; and Air War College, Oct 1995.
  Col Richter began his military career in 1971, gaining his commission 
in the Air Force through AFROTC. He was assigned to the 4789th Air Base 
Group, Hancock Field in Syracuse, New York. He served there for four 
years and was assigned to various staff positions in the Civil 
Engineering Squadron.
  Col Richter entered the New York Air National Guard 174th Tactical 
Fighter Group's Civil Engineering Flight in 1975 as the full time Base 
Civil Engineer and traditional Engineering Staff Officer. He held 
numerous positions in the flight until assuming command in 1983. 
Subsequently, in 1987 he was assigned as the Deputy Commander for 
Resources. Upon activation for Operation Desert Storm, he was assigned 
as Assistant Deputy Commander for Resources at Al Kharj Air Base, Saudi 
Arabia. After the end of hostilities, he was given the job of Deputy 
Commander for Resources until the base deactivated in July of 1991. In 
December of 1998, he was selected for the Georgetown Capitol Hill 
Government Affairs Fellowship in Washington, D.C. from January until 
December 1999. During this fellowship, he was assigned to my staff 
where he worked closely on Military Construction and VA–HUD sub-
committee assignments, as well as the FY00 Defense Appropriations Bill. 
More recently, Col Richter was assigned as the First Commander for the 
Air Component for the military response to the World Trade Center 
attacks.
  His military decorations include the Bronze Star, the Air Force 
Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor 
device and 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with 1 
device, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 devices and the Kuwait 
Liberation Medal. His state awards include the New York State Long and 
Faithful Service Award, Operation Desert Storm Medal, and the 
Conspicuous Service Cross. Col Richter was promoted to his present rank 
and federally recognized on 3 Mar 99.

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