[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING MAJOR GENERAL FRED FORSTER UPON HIS RETIREMENT AS 
     ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE TENNESSEE AIR NATIONAL GUARD

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                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 2003

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate one of East 
Tennessee's finest citizens on his recent retirement as Assistant 
Adjutant General for the Tennessee Air National Guard. Major General 
Fred Forster has served his community, State and Nation in a manner 
that can only be described as remarkable. I know each Member of this 
Body joins me today in thanking him for a job well done and wishing him 
the absolute best in all his future endeavors.
  I have said many times that the men and women who wear the uniform of 
this great Country's military are following one of America's highest 
callings. Each person who serves this Nation is to be commended and 
thanked. There are those however who stand out even amongst this 
crowded field of heroes.
  General Fred Forster is such a man. He has himself described a leader 
as someone willing to act and act consistently. I have had the 
privilege of knowing Fred Forster for many years and can say that he is 
such a man. His ability to lead large numbers of military personnel is 
matched only by his genuine concern for the individual. General Forster 
offers those around him a unique glimpse into what it truly means to be 
a leader of men.
  General Forster has been awarded numerous medals and decorations for 
his military service including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star 
Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal to name only three. I do not 
believe, however, that if he were here with us today he would say these 
are the best measures of his service. I believe that General Forster 
would say that his career should be measured by the simple fact that he 
gave his very best to his Country and to those under his command.
  Fred Forster joined the United States Air Force in 1968 after 
graduating from the University of the South at Sewanee with a degree in 
English. He began his military career during one of our Nation's most 
turbulent military conflicts. Following completion of his own pilot 
training, Fred served as an instructor pilot. He later served as an Air 
Operations Plans Officer in Thailand. In each responsibility he was 
given he quickly proved his leadership abilities and profound 
dedication to our Country's military men and women.
  Following the Vietnam War and completion of his Masters degree 
General Forster joined the Tennessee Air National Guard in 1976. He 
again demonstrated natural leadership and commitment to those under his 
command. In 1987 he was assigned command of the 134th Air Refueling 
Group at the McGhee-Tyson Airbase in Blount County, Tennessee.
  For the next ten years, then-Colonel Forster led the 134th as it grew 
to its current designation as an Air Refueling Wing. The men and women 
of the 134th were called to active duty during the Persian Gulf War and 
flew under Colonel Forster's command as part of the 1713th Air 
Refueling Wing. During the conflict the 1713th played a critical role 
in supporting the countless combat missions that led to the liberation 
of Kuwait.
  On July 15, 2002, Forster was promoted to Assistant Adjutant General 
for the Tennessee Air National Guard and in this capacity served as the 
second highest ranking officer in the State's Air Guard. In addition to 
his recent work with the Tennessee Air National Guard, General Forster 
continues to serve as the President and CEO of the Blount County 
Chamber of Commerce where he has offered his service and leadership to 
the betterment of the community around him. Although he has now retired 
as Assistant Adjutant General, I am confident he will continue to offer 
himself to the service of Blount County and the State of Tennessee.
  Through both his professional and personal example, General Forster 
has set a standard of excellence few will fully reach but each of us 
would be better for trying. I want to personally thank General Forster 
for his service and congratulate him on his recent retirement. I also 
want to thank him for his friendship.




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