[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 121 (Friday, September 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL JAMES P. CZEKANSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 4, 2003

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual whose dedication and contributions to our country and the 
community of Riverside, California are exceptional. This country has 
been fortunate to have dedicated individuals who willingly and 
unselfishly give their time and talent and make this country a safer 
and better place to live. Major General James P. Czekanski is one of 
these individuals. On Saturday, August 23, 2003, he will be honored as 
he departs from March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California.
  In 1968, Major General Czekanski, after receiving his Bachelor's 
Degree in history from the University of Massachusetts, attended 
undergraduate pilot training at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. 
After completing school he attended Sewart Air Force Base in Tennessee 
for C-130 combat crew training and then became a tactical airlift pilot 
for three years at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina in 1969. He 
served at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand as an AC-130A 
Gunship aircraft commander from 1972 to 1974 at which time he attended 
Squadron Officer School. Over the next 4 years he would serve in 
various positions before obtaining his Master's degree in counseling 
and human development from Troy State University. In 1981 he completed 
Air War College.
  Over the next 20 years Major General Czekanski served in numerous 
commands throughout the country as Chief of Tactical Airlift 
Operations, Commander, Vice Commander and Senior Air Reserve 
Technician, Inspector General, and Director of Operations. In August of 
2000 he was assigned to March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California 
as Commander of the 4th Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command. He has 
accumulated more than 7,500 hours of flight time and has flown numerous 
aircraft including the C-5A, C-141A/B/E/H, AC-130A, HC-130H/N/P, and 
KC135R.
  Throughout his distinguished career Major General Czekanski has 
received over 20 major awards and decorations including the Legion of 
Merit with two oak leaf clusters; Meritorious Service Medal with oak 
leaf cluster; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; National Defense 
Service Medal with service star; Vietnam Service Medal; and Kuwait 
Liberation Medal from both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. In addition to his 
dedication to his military career, Major General Czekanski is a member 
of the Air Force Association, the Reserve Officer Association, the 
Order of the Daedalians and the Airlift and Tanker Association.
  Major General Czekanski's tireless passion for service to country and 
community has contributed immensely to the betterment of our nation and 
to the community of Riverside, California. I am honored and proud to 
call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that 
many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as 
he moves on to the next chapter of his life.

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