[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 51 (Monday, April 25, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E753]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ASTAR AIR CARGO EARNS MILITARY HONORS

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                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 25, 2005

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the employees and 
management of ASTAR Air Cargo, which is headquartered in my 
congressional district in Miami.
  In April, the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command presented awards to 
102 ASTAR Air Cargo employees who operated missions for Operation 
Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. The all-American 
ASTAR team was put together by John Dasburg, the Chairman, CEO, and 
President who is a Vietnam veteran. ASTAR is dedicated to providing 
superior service, and the U.S. military has chosen to recognize that 
publicly.
  U.S. Air Force Major General Mark Volcheff, Director of Operations of 
the Air Mobility Command, presented the awards to the ASTAR employees.
  These awards highlight the dedication of ASTAR employees who are 
devoted to serving our country in a time of war. Eight loadmasters and 
three pilots will receive the Aerial Achievement Medals for meritorious 
achievement during cargo flight missions. These individuals--Harrow 
Clyde, Thomas Coleman, Anthony Estrella, Steven Garrett, Frank Haidet, 
Frank Richmond, Philippe Verbrugghen, John Winters, Captain Stan Kahan, 
First Officer James Huddleston, and Second Officer Bernard Richardson--
are being honored for flying at least seven missions during the 
conflicts. In addition to those medals, the Air Force will present 91 
Certificates of Appreciation to ASTAR operations and maintenance 
employees who performed critical functions in support of those 
missions.
  The Air Mobility Command provides strategic airlift and aerial 
refueling for all of America's armed forces. The individuals honored 
displayed commendable efforts in the missions. Without their 
dedication, such missions would not be possible.
  ASTAR flies Department of Defense missions and charters for the Air 
Mobility Command. The awards presented demonstrate that, in addition to 
ASTAR's regularly scheduled and special air charter services, ASTAR is 
committed to supporting U.S. Armed Forces missions and troops in harm's 
way. ASTAR is also a participant in the United States Civil Reserve Air 
Fleet program supporting our national defense.

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