[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 49 (Monday, March 23, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3608-S3609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          REMEMBERING CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT PAUL WESLEY AIREY

 Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, on March 11, 2009, our 
Nation lost a true American hero, the Air Force's first chief master 
sergeant, Paul Wesley Airey.
  During his 27 years of service, Chief Airey served during both World 
War II and Korea and earned numerous awards and decorations: the 
Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Air 
Force Commendation Medal, the POW medal, and the Legion of Merit with 
oak leaf cluster.
  During World War II, Chief Airey served as an aerial gunner on B-24 
bombers and became a prisoner of war from July 1944 to May 1945.

[[Page S3609]]

  After serving during Korea, Chief Airey became first sergeant for the 
Air Defense Command's 4756th Civil Engineering Squadron at Tyndall Air 
Force Base, FL, where he retired on August 1, 1970.
  Grace and I would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the 
family of this American hero, including retired CMSgt Dale Airey, who 
followed in his father's footsteps.
  Chief Airey is among the most respected and iconic figures in the Air 
Force. He dedicated his life to the protection of this country, and for 
that we honor his memory.

                          ____________________