[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 161 (Friday, October 3, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2241-E2242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO GENERAL BRUCE CARLSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL R. TURNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 3, 2008

  Mr. TURNER. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to pay 
tribute to United States Air Force General Bruce Carlson for his 37 
years of distinguished and honorable service in the United States Air 
Force and to our Nation.
  General Carlson has had a distinguished career, beginning with his 
graduation from the Air Force ROTC program at the University of 
Minnesota. He has held numerous flying assignments, staff and command 
positions throughout his career. He commanded the 49th Fighter Wing at 
Holloman Air Force Base, the Air Force's first stealth fighter wing. 
His staff assignments included time at HQ AF, the office of the 
Secretary of the Air Force, the office of the Secretary of Defense and 
the Joint Staff. Prior to serving as Commander of Air Force Materiel 
Command, General Carlson served as Commander of the 8th Air Force, 
Barksdale AFB and Joint Functional Component Commander for Space and 
Global Strike, U. S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB.
  As Commander of AFMC, General Carlson led the organization to meet 
leadership challenges and world threats. General Carlson championed the 
Air Force alternative fuels program and delivered on Presidential and 
Secretary of the Air Force challenges to reduce the military's 
dependence on foreign oil. General Carlson also oversaw the development 
and deployment of AngelFire persistent surveillance and reconnaissance 
program. Under his command, AngelFire deployed to the CENTCOM AOR with 
the help of Air Force Research Laboratory personnel, marking the first-
ever deployment of an AFRL program directly into combat. Additionally, 
General Carlson delivered the first MQ-9 Reaper to the 42nd Attack 
Squadron at Creech AFB nearly a year ahead of schedule to meet Air 
Combat Command requirements.
  He received numerous military awards for his service including: 
Defense Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of 
Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the 
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters. He also 
received the highest honor from the Air Force enlisted corps, the Order 
of the Sword. In addition, General Carlson is a command pilot with over 
3,300 flight hours.
  I have known General Carlson since he took command of AFMC in August 
2005.
  General Carlson is a man who is honest, provides a straight 
assessment and has the highest degree of ethics. His service honors the 
Air Force and our country. I've appreciated his dedication to duty and 
his willingness to work with the surrounding community. General Carlson 
truly exemplifies the core values of

[[Page E2242]]

the Air Force, ``Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in 
All We Do.''

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