[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S11187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL BENJAMIN J. SPRAGGINS

 Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I wish to take this opportunity to 
recognize and say farewell to an outstanding Air Force officer, BG 
Benjamin J. Spraggins, upon his retirement from the Air Force after 
more than 34 years of service. Throughout his career, Brigadier General 
Spraggins has served with distinction, and it is my privilege to 
recognize his many accomplishments and commend him for his service to 
the Air Force, the Congress, and our grateful Nation.
  Brigadier General Spraggins is a longtime resident of my home State 
and devoted public servant of Harrison County, MS. He enlisted in the 
U.S. Air Force on March 17, 1972. After over 6 years of successful 
enlisted service, reaching the grade of technical sergeant, Brigadier 
General Spraggins received his commission from the Academy of Military 
Science, McGhee Tyson, TN. Following graduation from Officer Candidate 
School, Brigadier General Spraggins completed aviation school at Mather 
Air Force Base, CA, and RF-4C training at Shaw, Air Force Base, SC. 
Brigadier General Spraggins was then stationed with the 187th Transport 
Ready Group at Dannelly Field, AL, flying the RF-4C fighter aircraft. 
While stationed in 187th, Brigadier General Spraggins served in many 
critical positions including instructor, scheduling officer and 
assistant chief of standards and evaluations. He was a weapon systems 
officer in the RF-4C from 1979-1983 and a weapons system instructor in 
the F-4D from 1983-1988 at the 187th Fighter Wing. Brigadier General 
Spraggins completed his military flying career with over 2,500 hours in 
the T-37, T-43, RF-4C, and F-4D aircraft.
  On September 23, 1987, Brigadier General Spraggins was assigned to 
the Combat Readiness Training Center, Gulfport, MS. During his tenure 
at the training center, he served in various positions including range 
control officer, director of operations, operations group commander, 
and finally as commander of the Combat Readiness Training Center. As 
commander, Brigadier General Spraggins was responsible for operations 
and training of over 20,000 military personnel annually and provided 
oversight for a $75 million dollar budget.
  Concurrently, Brigadier General Spraggins was sent to Andrews Air 
Force Base, DC, in 2002 to run the Crisis Action Team for the Air 
National Guard. In 2003, he also served as the interim commander of the 
186th Air Refueling Wing where he was responsible for operations of KC-
135 aircraft wing, with over 1,000 personnel and oversight of a $48 
million dollar annual budget. He was the first member of the 
Mississippi Air National Guard to simultaneously command two major 
units, the Combat Readiness Training Center and the 186th Air Refueling 
Wing.
  Brigadier General Spraggins was assigned to the Tennessee Air 
National Guard in November 2005 as the chief of staff. In this capacity 
he was responsible to the adjutant general for readiness of Tennessee's 
three flying wings and three mission support units. In addition to 
duties as chief of staff, Brigadier General Spraggins also served as 
the air deputy commander, joint forces Headquarters, Tennessee National 
Guard. Brigadier General Spraggins was also attached as the battle 
commander for Air Force North, Tyndall AFB, FL. In this capacity he was 
responsible for ensuring the air sovereignty and air defense of the 
continental United States.
  During his long and distinguished career, Brigadier General Spraggins 
successfully completed Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff, 
and the Air War College with the Air University. His decorations and 
awards include Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force 
Commendation Medal, Mississippi Magnolia Cross, Tennessee Meritorious 
Service Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious 
Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity 
Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Air Force Training 
Ribbon.
  Upon the retirement of Brigadier General Spraggins after 34 years of 
dedicated service, I offer my congratulations to him and his wife Judy. 
Brigadier General Spraggins is a credit to both the Air Force and the 
United States of America. I know that I speak for all my colleagues in 
expressing heartfelt appreciation to him. I wish Brigadier General 
Spraggins blue skies and safe landings and congratulate him on 
completion of an outstanding and successful career.

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