[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 82 (Thursday, June 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        COLONEL TIMOTHY WRIGHTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 2003

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual and patriot whose dedication and contributions to his 
country and the military community of March Air Reserve Base, March 
ARB, in Riverside, CA, are exceptional. March ARB has been fortunate to 
have dynamic and dedicated leaders who willingly and unselfishly give 
their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live 
and work. Colonel Timothy Wrighton is one of these individuals. On June 
6, 2003, he will be honored at a farewell celebration and dinner.
  After completing his education at the U.S. Air Force Academy in 
Colorado Springs, CO, and receiving a degree in engineering Tim 
completed his undergraduate pilot training in 1976 and in 1977 he 
became a First Lieutenant. Tim served as a C-141 pilot for the 53rd 
Military Airlift Squadron out of Norton Air Force Base in California 
from 1976 to 1982 during which time he was promoted to Captain. In 
1984, he was assigned as the chief pilot for the 728th Military Airlift 
Squadron. Three years later he was promoted to Major and was assigned 
as the chief of wing standardization/evaluation for the 445th Airlift 
Wing at Norton and would later become assistant deputy commander for 
operations. Over the next 13 years he would be promoted to Lieutenant 
Colonel and then Colonel. Since 2002 he has been the Commander of the 
452nd Air Mobility Wing at March Air Reserve Base. Col. Wrighton has 
logged over 7,800 flight hours in a variety of aircraft including the 
C-141 A/B, KC-10, and KC-135R.
  Col. Wrighton has received numerous awards throughout his 
distinguished career including: Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service 
Medal with three oak leaf clusters; Air Medal; Aerial Achievement 
Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Air Force Achievement Medal; Air 
Force Outstanding Unit Award with oak leaf clusters; National Defense 
Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Southwest Asia Service 
Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Small 
Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; Air Force Training Ribbon; and the 
Kuwait Liberation Medal from the Saudi Arabian Government.
  Col. Wrighton is also a life member and Chapter President of the 
Reserve Officers' Association, a Life Member of the Airlift/Tanker 
Association, Life Member of the AFA, a Life Member of the VFW and a 
Member of Daedalians.
  Col. Wrighton's tireless commitment to service has contributed 
immensely to the betterment of the country and the community of 
Riverside, CA. I am proud to call him a fellow community member, 
American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful 
for his patriotic service and salute him.

                          ____________________