[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 98 (Monday, June 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING COLONEL JOHN P. SWIFT ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE 
                     CONNECTICUT AIR NATIONAL GUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 18, 2007

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel John P. 
Swift of Enfield, Connecticut, who retires from the Connecticut Air 
National Guard on Sunday, June 24, 2007, after nearly 26 years of 
service to our Nation.
  Since graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 1981, 
Colonel Swift has worked closely with the A-10 Thunderbolt or, as it is 
more commonly known, the ``Warthog.'' His post-academy education and 
service took him to Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Louisiana and even 
the United Kingdom before he landed back in Connecticut. In 1989, he 
began his career with the Connecticut Air National Guard as the 
Operations Plan Officer for the 103rd Fighter Group at Bradley 
International Airport in East Granby, Connecticut.
  From there, he worked his way through the ranks until reaching his 
current position as Commander of the 103rd Fighter Wing in February 
2006. As Commander, Colonel Swift has lead more than 1000 men and women 
of the 103rd Fighter Wing and overseen all aspects of base operations, 
including aviation, maintenance and support operations for the Wing's 
A-10 aircraft. In his most recent roles, he has worked closely with his 
colleagues in the Connecticut National Guard and the Connecticut 
congressional delegation to help see the 103rd Fighter Wing through a 
period of change and transformation.
  His leadership, his passion for his job and his dedication to the 
mission of the Connecticut Air National Guard will be greatly missed. I 
ask all my colleagues to join with me, the men and women of the 
Connecticut National Guard, and the people of Connecticut in thanking 
Colonel Swift for his service and wishing him the best in his new 
endeavors.

                          ____________________