[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 60 (Monday, April 16, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S4475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   TRIBUTE TO GERALD E. HARMON, M.D.

 Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, today I ask the Senate to join me 
in recognizing Dr. Gerald E. Harmon, MD, on the occasion of his 
retirement from the South Carolina Air National Guard, SCANG. A native 
South Carolinian, ``Gamecock Doc'' joined the military in 1973 as a 
commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, USAF after graduating from 
the University of South Carolina USC. He began studying medicine at the 
Medical University of South Carolina through the Air Force Health 
Professions Scholarship Program achieving his M.D. in 1976.
  Dr. Harmon completed his family practice residency at Eglin AFB in 
Florida. After fulfilling several USAF flight surgeon assignments in 
Texas and South Carolina, he transferred to the SCANG to serve as the 
commander of the 169th Tactical Clinic at McEntire Joint National Guard 
Base. Under his leadership, his unit was twice awarded the SCANG 
Outstanding Unit award and received ``Excellent'' evaluations by the 
USAF Inspection Agency.
  In 1992, President George H. W. Bush recognized Dr. Harmon for his 
medical humanitarian work in Africa, and both in 1998 and 2003 the 
South Carolina General Assembly recognized him as the Doctor of the Day 
for his unselfish duty and devotion to the medical profession. Dr. 
Harmon was also a recipient of the American Heart Association Research 
Grant at the USC School of Medicine and was recognized as the Air 
National Guard's 1993 National Physician of the Year.
  Over the last 7 years, Dr. Harmon served as the Air National Guard 
Assistant Surgeon General for the USAF providing critical advice and 
information on Air National Guard medical activities to the United 
States' Surgeon General. Part of his responsibilities included 
coordinating medical policies, plans, and programs for the Air National 
Guard. Dr. Harmon is the first South Carolinian to serve as the Air 
National Guard Assistant Surgeon General.
  Dr. Harmon is currently a family practitioner the Waccamaw Medical 
Center on Pawleys Island, where he and his wife of 35 years reside. He 
is also President-elect of the South Carolina Medical Association 
having served on its board directors for many years.
  A true patriot and a fine American, Dr. Harmon formally retired as a 
major general with over 700 flying hours on February 16, 2007. His 
military career will forever be marked by his extraordinary vision, 
sacrifice, and community spirit. I wish Dr. Harmon the very best in his 
retirement and ask that the Senate join me in thanking him for his 
service.

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