[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT MARGARET C. BURGESS FROM THE U.S. AIR 
                                 FORCE

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 2004

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of myself, 
Congresswoman Capito and that entire Congressional Caucus for Women's 
Issues to recognize the 7th Annual Women in the Military Wreath Laying 
Ceremony hosted by the Caucus at Arlington National Cemetery. The 
purpose of this event is to honor our Nation's servicewomen and female 
veterans for their courage and achievements, and to remember women who 
have died in service to the United States.
  Today, we have the opportunity to recognize 5 outstanding female 
servicewomen, one selected from each branch of the military. These 
women serve their respective branches with honor, dignity, and courage. 
These highly decorated leaders chose to defend our freedom and embody 
the spirit of those that served before them.
  From the U.S. Air Force, we will honor Chief Master Sergeant Margaret 
C. Burgess, who is currently serving as the Superintendent, 
Intelligence, 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. 
Sergeant Burgess has served the Air Force at a variety of duty stations 
and capacities. She distinguished herself early in her career by 
meritorious service during her first assignment as Target Intelligence 
Specialist at the Royal Air Force Bentwaters, England, where she made 
outstanding contributions to the wing's combat mission folder program, 
significantly contributing to the wing's combat readiness. Her thorough 
understanding of United States Air Forces in Europe and North Atlantic 
Treaty Organization war plans, and her in-depth knowledge of A-10 
combat deployment, made her a key member of the intelligence team 
during exercises and evaluations.
  Sergeant Burgess has repeatedly demonstrated outstanding performance, 
leadership and devotion to the U.S. Air Force. Of note, Sergeant 
Burgess engineered the intelligence repatriation process of returned 
isolated personnel to Ahmed Al Jaber Airbase, Kuwait, and operated 
successfully during the repatriation of an F-14 aircrew that had 
ejected over southern Iraq. She demonstrated superb organizational 
skills by developing comprehensive, all-source ground order battle 
files of Iraq that were later adopted as the standard by other theater 
intelligence assets, which resulted in the successful completion of 5 
combat rescues, 4 combat recoveries and more than 16 combat support 
sorties. Among her many achievements, Sergeant Burgess was also awarded 
the Bronze Star for her work during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Chief Master Sergeant Margaret C. Burgess continues to distinguish 
herself as an invaluable leader in the Air Force, and it is an honor 
for each member of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues to 
recognize the courage and commitment of Sergeant Burgess and all women 
in the military.

                          ____________________