[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 60 (Saturday, April 12, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO COLONEL WALTER L. WATSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 11, 2003

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker I rise today to pay tribute to a native 
South Carolinian and an outstanding member of our community, Colonel 
Walter L. Watson, Jr. For his more than 25 years of service to our 
country and to the field of Aerospace Science, the Columbia Housing 
Authority will induct Colonel Watson into its Wall of Fame on April 17, 
2003.
  A native of Columbia, Colonel Watson attended public schools in 
Richland County School District One. Upon graduation from C.A. Johnson 
High School in 1967, Watson enrolled at Howard University where he 
would earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 
1971. In addition, he earned a commission through Reserve Officers 
Training Corps and entered the Air Force as an avionics maintenance 
officer.
  In 1973, Colonel Watson was selected for aviation training, beginning 
a career that would take him around the globe. His many assignments 
included flight instructor, flight commander in tactical fighter and 
strategic reconnaissance squadrons flying F-4C/D/E, F111 D and SR-71 
aircraft. Colonel Watson was the first and only African American to 
qualify as a crewmember of the SR-71, a super secret aircraft that set 
altitude and speed records that still stand today.
  Holding a Masters Degree in Human Resource Management from Chapman 
College, Colonel Watson is also a graduate of Squadron Officer School, 
Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College. His military 
decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with 
two oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air 
Force Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with two oak 
leaf clusters, and the Humanitarian Service Medal with one oak leaf 
cluster.
  Colonel Watson's steadfast commitment to educating our youth is 
evidenced by his current position as the Senior Aerospace Science 
Instructor for the C.A. Johnson High School Air Force Junior ROTC 
(AFJROTC) unit. Under his tutelage, the unit has experienced an 
increase of more than 8000 percent in funds for unit operations. 
Computer and technology assets have also increased by more than 700 
percent.
  Colonel Watson was recently selected as an Outstanding Senior 
Aerospace Science Instructor during the 1997-98 and 2001-02 school 
years. He was also chosen as C.A. Johnson High School's Teacher of the 
Year in 1998-99.
  Mr. Speaker, I plan to be on hand for Mr. Watson's induction and ask 
you and my colleagues to join me in recognition of Colonel Watson's 
lifetime of high achievement. I congratulate him on his induction, and 
wish good luck and Godspeed to him and his family.

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