[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 90 (Thursday, June 30, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO COLONEL FRANK GALLEGOS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 29, 2005

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
Colonel Frank Gallegos, Commander of the 30th Space Wing and the 
Western Range at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Colonel 
Gallegos will be retiring after more than twenty-four years of faithful 
service to our nation.
  Colonel Gallegos entered the Air Force in 1981 after graduating from 
the United States Air Force Academy. Since then, he has served in 
various operational assignments, and has performed staff duties at 
Headquarters, United States Air Force; Strategic Air Command; and on 
the Joint Staff. Colonel Gallegos also served as the Vice Commander of 
the Air Force Space Command and has commanded the 12th Missile Squadron 
at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana and the 90th Operations Group at 
Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming.
  Throughout his career in the Air Force, Colonel Gallegos has always 
maintained a commitment to the men over which he commanded. While some 
military leaders choose not to know the personnel which they command, 
Colonel Gallegos has maintained a reputation as someone who places his 
troops before himself. In fact, in each one of his command posts, 
Colonel Gallegos established personal relationships with each of his 
Airmen, understanding that such relationships are important to 
maintaining cohesion, respect, and morale.
  Colonel Gallegos is a true leader, worthy of recognition. His 
strategic, tactical, and operational expertise has served our nation 
well and as our armed forces continue to confront the threat of 
terrorism around the world, we look to individuals like Colonel 
Gallegos to lead the fight. His replacement, Colonel Jack Weinstein, 
will be given the command of a Wing that represents the best this 
country has to offer. I am confident that he will provide the Airmen of 
Vandenberg Air Force Base with the same leadership and dedication that 
Colonel Gallegos exhibited for so many years.
  Colonel Gallegos will retire to Omaha, Nebraska, the same place he 
met his wife Julie. His time with his wife and his daughters is well 
deserved and I would like to wish him the best of luck in the years to 
come. On the occasion of his retirement, I ask that my colleagues join 
me in recognizing the dedication and service of Colonel Frank Gallegos.

                          ____________________