[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 53 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO COLONEL AARON ``BURLEY'' BURLESON

 Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, on behalf of Senator Inhofe and 
myself, I wish to honor and pay respect to a great Oklahoman, COL (Ret) 
Aaron ``Burley'' Burleson. Currently, he is the director of Military 
Development of the Altus Chamber of Commerce, Altus, OK. He has served 
the State of Oklahoma and the United States for many years.
  Mr. Burleson was born in Lawton, OK, and graduated from Lawton High 
School. While attending Cameron College in Lawton, he was mobilized for 
active duty with the 45th Infantry Division in 1940. After completing 
pilot training in 1944 at Pampa Army Airfield, TX, Burley Burleson 
received his commission as a second lieutenant. Over the next 30 years 
he would serve his country around the globe.
  He served as special air missions officer in the Office of the Vice 
Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon. During this assignment, 
Burley worked directly with the White House, the Office of the 
Secretary of State, the Senate and the House of Representatives. His 
main assignment was to provide airlift for both United States and 
foreign dignitaries.
  In 1970, he transferred to Altus Air Force Base, OK, where he served 
as Vice Commander of the 443rd Military Airlift Wing and later as base 
commander in 1973.
  Retiring as a colonel from the Air Force in 1974, he immediately 
became the executive director of the ``Committee of 100,'' a special 
part of the Altus Chamber of Commerce. The main purpose of the 
committee was to strengthen and promote economic development of Altus 
and Jackson County, OK. After serving as the head of the organization 
from 1975 to 1984, Burley became the community's liaison between the 
men and women of Altus and the personnel assigned to Altus Air Force 
Base.
  Burley's leadership brought about tremendous support for Altus AFB. 
Working with Air Force personnel and congressional Members, he was able 
to help secure needed funding and resources for the base. Some examples 
include new housing, runway easements, a parallel assault runway, a 
corrosion control facility and a drop zone. In 1982, a tornado struck 
Altus AFB and caused severe damage. Under Burley's leadership, critical 
funding was obtained to repair the damages. These projects helped Altus 
Air Force Base become rated as the best base in the Air Force a few 
years ago.
  Burley has received numerous awards and citations through the years 
for his many achievements. Recently, Air Education Training Command 
singled Burley out for one of four, first time, ``Pioneer Awards'' to 
commemorate the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force. He was also 
heavily involved with the Air Force Association, at the national and 
the State levels, as well as numerous civic and charitable 
organizations in Altus.
  Burley Burleson, unfortunately, suffered a stroke in November of 2002 
and is currently recovering. Jim Inhofe and I are proud to call him a 
friend and appreciate his dedicated service to our great country. His 
positive contributions to countless friends, all Oklahomans, and the 
U.S. Air Force are greatly appreciated.

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