[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 163 (Saturday, December 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2566-E2567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT RALPH J. CELENTO III SERVICE 
             AND DEDICATION TO THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 16, 2005

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions 
of a great American, Chief Master Sergeant Ralph J. Celento III. I 
honor him today for his 30 years of service in the United States Air 
Force.
  Chief Celento's most recent assignment was flight chief, vehicle 
operations for the 99th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 99th Mission 
Support Group, 99th Air Base Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. In 
this position Chief Celento was responsible for all enlisted matters 
and he assisted the flight commander in daily missions. In addition, 
Chief Celento directed over 150 personnel, ten sections, and ensured 
that vehicle management services to Nellis AFB were complete.
  Chief Celento was born in Rochester, New York and entered the Air 
Force in 1976. His Air Force career has included assignments in various 
transportation and logistical programs on bases in North Carolina, 
California, Washington, Maryland, and Mississippi. Chief Celento also 
served overseas in Japan, Germany and the Republic of Korea.
  Chief Celento has been awarded over 19 major awards and decorations 
during his distinguished service in the Air Force including the Bronze 
Star, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, 
National Defense Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Global War on 
Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service 
Medal and more.
  Chief Celento's accomplishments also include the White House 
Communication Agency Award, Best Vehicle Operations Flight in Air 
Education and Training Command, Verne

[[Page E2567]]

Orr Award for Most Productive Unit, and the Best Vehicle Operations 
Flight in the Pacific Air Forces Command among others.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and heartfelt gratitude that I 
salute Chief Celento for his service and dedication to our great 
nation.

                          ____________________