[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 39 (Thursday, March 25, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3177-S3178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO COLONEL JOELLEN de BERG, UNITED STATES AIR FORCE NURSE CORPS

 Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I wish to recognize a great 
American and true military heroine who has honorably served our country 
for over 31 years in the United States Air Force Nurse Corps: COL 
Joellen de Berg. Colonel de Berg began her military career as a 
reservist with assignments in Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. After 
serving as flight nurse, instructor, and evaluator in C-123 and C-130 
aircraft, she entered active duty in July, 1978, at Malcolm Grow 
Medical Center, Andrews Air Force Base, MD. She quickly rose through 
the ranks and served throughout the world, including in the 
Philippines, Ohio, California, Oklahoma, Maryland, Illinois, Texas, 
Washington, District of Columbia, and Japan.
  In each assignment, Colonel de Berg excelled and was rewarded with 
greater responsibilities. In 1983, her performances led to a below-the-
zone promotion to the rank of major 3 years ahead of her peers. After 
serving as manager of emergency services at Wright-Patterson AFB, she 
transitioned from the clinical arena to medical readiness inspector, 
Air Force Inspector General, Norton AFB, CA. Once again, her exemplary 
performance led to a second below-the-zone promotion to lieutenant 
colonel. After serving as the associate director of nursing at Malcolm 
Grow Medical Center, she went on to serve as congressional fellow, U.S. 
Senate, Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. Her service in this 
capacity lead to her appointment as chief of strategic plans, U.S. Air 
Force Surgeon General's Office, Bolling AFB, Washington, DC.
  With her path to executive leadership clearly set, Colonel de Berg 
served as chief nurse at Tinker AFB and Andrews AFB. At Andrews, she 
assumed command of the Eighty-ninth Medical Operations Squadron. Her 
remarkable leadership earned her selection as group commander, Thirty-
fifth Medical Group, Misawa, Japan. Colonel de Berg then assumed 
responsibilities as command nurse and chief, Primary Care Optimization, 
Office of the Command Surgeon, Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB, IL.
  Colonel de Berg's last assignment was in the State she considers 
home. She returned to Texas, as chief, Nurse Utilization and Education 
Branch, Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph AFB. In this position, she 
was responsible for managing assignments, career progression, and 
sponsored educational opportunities for 4,000 Air Force nurses.
  Colonel de Berg is a meritorious leader, administrator, clinician, 
educator, and mentor. Throughout her career she has served with valor 
and profoundly

[[Page S3178]]

impacted the entire Air Force Medical Service. Her performance reflects 
exceptionally on herself, the United States Air Force, the Department 
of Defense, and the United States of America. I extend my deepest 
appreciation to COL Joellen de Berg on behalf of a grateful Nation for 
more than 31 years of dedicated military service.

                          ____________________