[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 124 (Thursday, September 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING MAJOR GENERAL THOMAS P. MAGUIRE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 2005

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize a 
great American patriot and good friend, retiring Major General Thomas 
P. Maguire, for his extraordinary accomplishments throughout a 
distinguished career.
  As GEN Maguire steps down as New York's Adjutant General, I would 
like to take this opportunity on behalf of New York and a grateful 
Nation to express our gratitude for his diligence and exceptional 
leadership through our State's most trying times.
  GEN Maguire assumed command of New York's National Guard in August 
2001, just one month before the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and 
WorId Trade Center. Under his command, the National Guard was thrust 
into unprecedented responsibilities in contributing to and 
strengthening our homeland security. His leadership was a critical 
component of restoring the safety and way of life for New Yorkers after 
September 11th.
  It is for these reasons, and many others, that General Maguire should 
be recognized as a patriot and a great man. Tom graduated from Holy 
Cross College in 1969, just as I began my college career at the same 
school. He left with a Degree in History and as a distinguished 
graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Program.
  In 1970, he earned his wings, beginning a long and distinguished 
career that included 250 combat flights during his tour of duty in 
Vietnam. His military decorations included the Distinguished Flying 
Cross and the Air Medal with nine oak leaf clusters.
  Upon his return, GEN Maguire served as a flight instructor before 
joining the New York Air National Guard's 137th Tactical Air Support 
Squadron in 1974. In the years that followed, GEN Maguire excelled in 
various commands and as a forward air controller, brigade liaison 
officer, standardization officer, air operations officer, Deputy 
Commander for Operations and Vice Commander before assuming command of 
the 137th in 1994. He is also a veteran of Operation Desert Storm.
  Under GEN Maguire's command, New York's National Guard has not only 
performed its military mission with excellence, but it has also been an 
integral part of our state's emergency response force and contributed 
to many international disaster relief missions.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all New Yorkers, I thank and congratulate 
Major General Maguire for his outstanding service and a highly 
distinguished career. We wish him and his family continued success and 
a bright future in the years ahead.

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