[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 31, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E10]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING MASTER SERGEANT SUSAN M. RAINONE UPON HER RETIREMENT

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                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2006

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to MSgt Susan 
Rainone upon her retirement, and wish to thank her for her service to 
our country. Originally from Waukesha, Wisconsin, MSgt Susan M. Rainone 
enlisted in the United States Air Force in January of 1986. After 
graduating from Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, she was sent 
to Chanute AFB, Illinois to attend the Airframe Repair Apprentice 
course.
  In June 1986, A1C Rainone was assigned to the 6515th Field 
Maintenance Squadron at Edwards AFB, California. During her assignment 
at Edwards, she worked as an Airframe Repair Journeyman on a variety of 
airframes from the small A-37 to a much larger KC-135. In her second 
year in service, A1C Rainone competed and was selected for Senior 
Airmen Below the Zone, which allowed her to sew on the Senior Airman 
stripe six months early. In late 1988, she was promoted to the rank of 
Buck Sergeant and within the following six months she was notified of 
her selection to Staff Sergeant. In May, 1989 she completed the 
Training Systems Specialist course at Sheppard AFB, Texas and returned 
to Edwards AFB, to work in the Base Training office where she 
responsible for the training programs of the base. While at Edwards 
AFB, SSgt Rainone attended the Airman Leadership School and upon 
graduation was selected as a distinguished graduate, finishing in the 
top 10% of her class.
  After being stationed at Edwards AFB for almost 9 years SSgt Rainone 
and was transferred to Osan Air Base in the Republic of South Korea. 
While at Osan, SSgt Rainone served as the Unit Training Manager for the 
51st Transportation Squadron. During her tenure she nearly doubled the 
number of personnel enrolled in college courses. After her tour in 
Korea, SSgt Rainone was assigned to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona where 
she served as the Non-commissioned Officer in Charge of the Scheduling 
Element. Here she was responsible for scheduling and updating training 
for over 3,500 aircraft maintenance personnel.
  In September 1998 SSgt Rainone was promoted to Technical Sergeant. 
She applied and was selected for the position of Training Manager for 
the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, 
``Thunderbirds.'' In April, 1999 TSgt Rainone relocated to Nellis AFB, 
Nevada where she was assigned as the Unit Safety Representative, a load 
team member responsible for 50,000 pounds of air show equipment. In 
October 1999, MSgt Rainone attended the Non-Commissioned Officer 
Academy and again graduated as a distinguished graduate. TSgt was 
promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant in December 2002.
  MSgt Rainone was reassigned to Vandenberg AFB, California April 2003. 
She was assigned to the 392nd Training Squadron as the Superintendent, 
Space and Missile Operations Training Development responsible for 
managing courses supporting the combat readiness of the nation's 
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile force. While at Vandenberg, MSgt 
Rainone completed the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy course by 
correspondence, earning the Academic Excellence Award by averaging 95% 
over five closed book exams. One year later, she was moved to 
Detachment 1, 345th Training Squadron, Naval Base Ventura County, where 
she is the Chief, Education and Training Programs and Course Manager 
for Vehicle and Equipment courses.
  I wish to commend and thank MSgt Rainone for her leadership and 
dedication. She is truly a role model and deserves the many 
commendations and awards that she has received. I wish her a happy and 
relaxing retirement.

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