[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 71 (Thursday, May 1, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S3695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO LTC JOHN LUCAS

 Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, today, I wish to acknowledge the 
love and support LTC John Lucas's family has shown him during his 24 
years of service in the U.S. Air Force. LTC John Lucas, an Arkansas 
native, will retire from the Air Force on August 1, 2008. Lieutenant 
Colonel Lucas attended the University of Arkansas, making me 
particularly proud because that is my alma mater, and his oldest son, 
John Lucas, is carrying on the tradition as a freshman at the 
university as well.
  Lieutenant Colonel Lucas's wife, Coleen, wrote to me on the occasion 
of his retirement and asked that I write a note of thanks to their 
family and her husband in an effort to recognize their sacrifice and 
support over the last 24 year. She writes:

       While John served his country, his family and mine were 
     both loving and supportive through times of crisis, war and 
     peace. We had times of struggle but both of our families 
     helped me and our children so that my husband could serve our 
     country. Over the past 24 years, we have moved eight times, 
     lived in 11 homes, uprooted the children from schools, moved 
     them away from friends, and endured deployments. Through it 
     all the one constant was family.

  Our men and women in uniform have a tremendous responsibility to 
protect our Nation's freedoms and it is family support that helps them 
accomplish their mission. Sacrifice, selflessness and perseverance 
define the special role of a military family such as the Lucas family.
  Today, I thank John C. Lucas and his family for their service to our 
Nation. Our country is blessed to have you John, Coleen, Kevin, Bryan 
and Andrea Lucas.

                          ____________________