[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL DONALD J. WETEKAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM MARSHALL

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2007

  Mr. MARSHALL. Madam Speaker, I rise today as co-Chair of the Air 
Force Caucus to honor Lieutenant General Donald J. Wetekam, Deputy 
Chief of Staff for Installations and Logistics, for his long and 
exceptionally distinguished military career.
  General Wetekam entered the Air Force in June 1973 after graduating 
from the U.S. Air Force Academy. A career logistics officer, Don has 
commanded three maintenance squadrons, a logistics group and a 
logistics center. He has served staff tours at both major command and 
Air Staff levels, and served as Chairman, Army and Air Force Exchange 
Service Board of Directors.
  General Wetekam was responsible for leadership, management and 
integration of Air Force civil engineering, security forces, logistics 
readiness, supply, transportation, and aircraft and missile 
maintenance, as well as setting policy and preparing budget estimates 
that reflect enhancements to productivity, combat readiness and quality 
of life for Air Force people.
  Most importantly for the state of Georgia, General Wetekam served as 
Commander, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins AFB from 2002-
2004. I watched as he created an excellent team atmosphere that led to 
use of LEAN and the introduction of unprecedented efficiencies at 
Robins. This model was the precursor to such efficiencies throughout 
the Air Force, culminating with Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st 
Century (AFSO 21).
  Finally, Madam Speaker, I should note for the record that, although 
he has received numerous military awards, Don's Blues Brothers 
imitation is rumored to be quite special. A mutual friend told me it's 
the best he's ever seen, particularly the dance routine in ``the very 
small, black pants.'' But that same friend added that he'd seen the 
routine twice, which was ``to be honest, one time too many.'' So I'd 
guess Don's second career won't stray too far from his current day job. 
No doubt he will maintain his interest in running and NASCAR. He and 
his wonderful wife Sherrie are community-oriented folks who are 
involved in various charities. I hope they settle in Middle Georgia 
where they will always be welcome. If they do, I'll run with Don, maybe 
catch some NASCAR but certainly skip the Blues Brothers.

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