[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE AIR WAR COLLEGE CLASS OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM H. PUTNAM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 8, 2006

  Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great pride to call attention to 
a very special and noteworthy group--the Air War College Class of 2006. 
This class graduated on May 25, 2006. These men and women, not only 
from our own Armed Forces, but those of 46 other countries have 
distinguished themselves, their school, their communities, and their 
nations.
  The Air War College Class of 2006 had a remarkable year and I believe 
these men and women deserve formal recognition for their 
accomplishments. By any measure, the class of 2006 has not only blazed 
new trails, but established new standards of excellence.
  This was the first class to execute the Professional Military 
Education (PME) phase II curriculum, thus producing joint service 
qualified officers. It was the first class to have mid-year students 
join the class and complete the demanding academic curriculum. It was 
also the first class to have 46 international fellows, and the first 
class to send students, as part of its premiere regional studies, to 
the country of Turkmenistan. More importantly, it was the first class 
to have State Week, a full week dedicated to the interaction between 
DOS/DOD that will facilitate future cooperation and more efficient 
interaction between these future leaders.
  Established in 1946, this is the 60th year of the Air War College. 
The Air War College mission is to be ``the foremost center for air and 
space education and thought--preparing the world's best strategic 
leaders.'' Students must meet rigorous academic requirements, take 
responsibility for academic progress, behavior, and attendance, and 
they are expected to participate in school and community activities. 
They have not only met those rigorous demands but far exceeded them. 
The class of 2006 and their faculty have consistently shown not only 
leadership, but generosity. Together they donated 67 pints of blood, 
raised almost $100,000 for several charities; and members of the class 
generously gave their time to travel to Biloxi, MS, to aid in the 
recovery after Hurricane Katrina. Notably, other members opened their 
homes to displaced military personnel during that tragic time.
  I would like to extend my enthusiastic congratulations to the Air War 
College Class of 2006, ``Warriors, Leaders, and Statesmen'' upon their 
graduation. I wish them Godspeed as they move to their next 
assignments, some directly into harm's way, as they become tomorrow's 
strategic leaders in the global war on terror.

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