[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL RUSSELL C. DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Lieutenant General Russell 
C. Davis, who is retiring from the National Guard after forty-four 
years of exemplary service, as a member of the US Air Force and 
National Guard of the United States.
  General Davis has had a distinguished career of service to our 
nation's defense. He began his military career in the US Air Force in 
1958 as an aviation cadet. While on active duty, he served as a B-47 
strategic bombardment pilot at Lincoln Air Force Base, Nebraska. He 
then joined the Iowa Air National Guard, where he transitioned to 
fighter pilot, and served in numerous command and staff positions, from 
squadron pilot to Director of Operations. He commanded the 113th 
Tactical Fighter Wing prior to being appointed the Commanding General 
of the District of Columbia National Guard.
  General Davis is retiring from his current position as Chief, 
National Guard Bureau (NGB). The President appointed him Chief, NGB, in 
1998. As Chief, NGB, he served as the senior uniformed National Guard 
officer responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating all 
policies, programs and plans affecting more than half million Army and 
Air National Guard personnel. As Chief, NGB, General Davis has served 
as the Army and Air Forces' official channel of communication with the 
governors and the Adjutants General of the states, commonwealths, 
territories and the District of Columbia.
  General Davis epitomizes the citizen-soldier. His career has 
reflected his unswerving integrity and high moral principles. He 
retires with over four thousand seven hundred flying hours in bomber 
and fighter aircraft. His numerous awards and decorations serve as a 
testament to his dedication, commitment, contributions, and sacrifice.
  It is our hope that you will join us as we salute Lieutenant General 
Russell C. Davis on the occasion of his retirement from the National 
Guard and wish him continued high flight.

                          ____________________