[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 1, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S5390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IDAHO GUNFIGHTERS HONORED

  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, on March 30, Secretary of Defense Robert 
Gates announced that Mountain Home Air Force Base in my home State of 
Idaho had earned the coveted 2007 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for 
Installation Excellence. This Presidential honor is given only to a 
single installation in each of the military branches for outstanding 
and innovative efforts by installation personnel. I am honored to be 
able to publicly herald this tremendous achievement by Colonel Rock and 
all the men and women of Mountain Home Air Force Base.
  This high honor reflects a sustained level of excellence by all the 
Gunfighters of Mountain Home. Installation of the Year can only be 
achieved if everyone, from the wing commander to airmen working in all 
aspects of operations and support, has their priorities straight and 
expectations for personal duty performance at the highest level. 
Improving the structures that protect valuable aircraft, creative and 
responsible financial management with regard to improving facilities, 
and a commitment to Air Force families are just some of the ways in 
which Mountain Home Air Force Base demonstrated its excellence this 
year. The Gunfighters have maintained this strong tradition of 
superiority and excellence for over half a century. The missions have 
changed over the years, but Gunfighter commitment and performance has 
not.
  Idahoans can be very proud of their Gunfighters. Mountain Home Air 
Force Base is as much a part of Idaho history as the magnificent 
valleys, rivers, and plateaus that surround the base. The 366th Fighter 
Wing is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the national 
security of the United States. The missions currently headquartered at 
Mountain Home comprise a vital component of our comprehensive military 
defensive and offensive force. Idaho is fortunate to be host and home 
to these defenders of freedom.
  Idaho benefits from Mountain Home Air Force Base, not just when the 
military men and women serving out their assignments there call our 
State ``home'' for a time in their military careers but also when some 
return to call Idaho home permanently in retirement.
  I offer my sincere congratulations to the Gunfighters and my 
heartfelt gratitude for their service to our great country, in defense 
of my freedom and that of my family.

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