[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 101 (Wednesday, June 18, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S5748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL MICHAEL A. COLLINGS

 Mr. CHAMBLISS. Madam President, I pay tribute to an 
exceptional officer in the U.S. Air Force, MG Michael A. Collings upon 
his retirement after more than 33 years of distinguished service. 
Throughout his career, General Collings has personified the Air Force 
core values of integrity, selfless service, and excellence in the many 
missions the Air Force provides in defense of our nation. It is my 
privilege to recognize his many accomplishments and to commend him for 
the superb service he has provided the Air Force and our Nation.
  General Collings entered the U.S. Air Force as a graduate of Southern 
Illinois University's Reserve Officer Training Corps program in 1974. 
His career has spanned a variety of operational assignments and major 
command staff functions. A command pilot with more than 2600 hours in 
the T-37, T-38 and F-16, General Collings spent more than 10 years in 
the cockpit, instructing in the T-37, F-16 and at the U.S. Air Force 
Fighter Weapons School. Moving to the logistics field in 1987, General 
Collings has served on the staff at Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, 
Washington DC, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, 
HI, and Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, VA. He 
has commanded two squadrons, two groups, and two wings including the 
82nd Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas and the Warner 
Robins Air Logistics Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Robins Air 
Force Base, GA.
  His assignments have increased in scope and responsibility, 
culminating in his current assignment as Chief, Office of Military 
Cooperation, Egypt. As the Senior U.S. Defense Representative to Egypt, 
General Collings leads six divisions responsible for all aspects of the 
security assistance mission in Egypt. In addition to providing advice 
and assistance to the Government of Egypt on a wide range of military 
procurement and training issues, the Office of Military Cooperation 
serves as a liaison between the Egyptian Ministry of Defense and United 
States Central Command, coordinating the planning of joint military 
exercises throughout the region.
  During his career, General Collings has served the U.S. Air Force and 
our Nation with excellence, distinction, and unwavering integrity. His 
exceptional leadership skills have been evident throughout his career 
as he repeatedly demonstrated superb command and operational 
leadership, a brilliant and innovative vision for his unit's future, 
and an unmatched loyalty to his faith, people and country.
  General Collings will retire from the U.S. Air Force on August 1, 
2008 after 33 years and 1 month of dedicated commissioned service. On 
behalf of Congress, the country, and the State of Georgia, I thank 
General Collings, his wife Jan, and their entire family for the 
commitment and sacrifices they have made throughout his honorable 
service. Congratulations on completing an outstanding and exemplary 
military career.

                          ____________________